WWE Raw: The Triple H/CM Punk Storyline Has Undermined the Ascent of a New Star

Sure, the back-and-forth exchanges between the two current pillars of WWE television—CM Punk and HHH—have been intriguing, often eliciting "oohs" and "aahs" from the live and home audiences, but in the end, is CM Punk a bigger star today than he was just a mere month or two ago?

Unfortunately, what was supposed to add to Punk's mythos as a top star has been eradicated by the current storyline with HHH. And beyond just mere observation that CM Punk is not being unanimously accepted by the live fans, as a smattering of boos is now often laced with "CM Punk" chants, there is quantitative evidence pointing to Punk's decline (his match with the Miz on RAW a few weeks ago lost over 400,000 viewers).

So, ultimately, what went wrong? Why has the "voice of the voiceless" now become an ostensible pied piper? Why is the dynamic he shared with John Cena in his prior feud not as palpable and riveting with HHH?

Four reasons come to the surface:

1) Punk's storyline with Kevin Nash never reached a conclusion. After weekly accusations against each other, Punk was never able to seek revenge against him at Night of Champions, and may never be able to going forward.

The fans were obviously in favor of seeing this match-up, and were invested in seeing the outcome; however, in an abrupt turn of events, HHH took Nash's place and the fans' emotions were undercut and reset.

2) Unlike Kevin Nash, HHH is a venerable figure who has gained the adoration of the WWE Universe over the last 15 years. His character is positioned in such a way that he is essentially a straitlaced person, though authoritatively inclined, and has acted impartially and resolutely with the interests of all parties involved.

In essence, it has become much more difficult from the fans' standpoint to favor CM Punk over someone (HHH) who has done nothing wrong but exist and fulfill his job duties to the best of his abilities.

3) Moreover, the whole reason for the HHH-Punk match at Night of Champions is justified. HHH is merely defending the honor of his wife, a WWE stalwart like himself, who has been the recipient of unprovoked derision.

Does CM Punk have any proof that Stephanie McMahon emasculates HHH's power, when in reality, which Punk's creed and mantra is derivative of, Paul "HHH" Levesque and Stephanie McMahon have near equal footing in the company? Who is the vulnerable character here? Is it CM Punk, the bully he ironically crusades against, or HHH, who has patiently and quietly taken Punk's barbs before inevitably, and justly, avenging his cause?

4) Lastly, CM Punk's rallying cry for change would seem more appropriate and partisan-worthy if HHH's character showed at least a few hints of bias, made unfair decisions, and actively stifled Punk's pursuit for change, whereas in actuality quite the opposite has occurred.

In the storyline, HHH has given in to Punk's contract demands and even acquired the expensive rights to his new entrance theme, "Cult of Personality."

Consequently, unless it becomes clear who the protagonist and antagonist are in this feud, Punk's pipe bombs for change will become increasingly less attention-grabbing to the point where fans will begin to wonder what he is fighting for after all.