WWE Raw Preview: Why CM Punk Needs To Retain His Title Tonight

Tonight's Raw will showcase the Survivor Series rematch for the WWE title between reigning champion CM Punk and former champion Alberto Del Rio.

Del Rio lost the title eight days ago after a great match with the straight edge warrior. The two probably had the match of the night at Survivor Series.

With WWE having Del Rio get his rematch so quickly, one has to wonder if he will still be involved in the title picture come TLC.

Unfortunately for Del Rio, many of the former champions in recent history who rose to prominence quickly came crashing back down, and he may be following in their footsteps.

If you look back over the past few years guys like Sheamus and Jack Swagger won world titles very early in their careers and then had long streaks of losses and terrible programs.

Swagger is a two time champion who was paired with an Eagle mascot, need I say more.

Del Rio may be able to avoid this kind of bad luck due to his high level of experience and skill in the ring. He is one of the better heels in WWE right now, so he could keep his name in the mix if he works hard.

Punk on the other hand is now a five time champion and this run needs to be the one that cements him as a legitimate main even star.

His first three title runs were relatively short, and it took him threatening to leave the company to make them take notice that he deserved another shot.

His fourth reign was not as long as some would have liked, but this could be his time to shine for a good long time.

The Miz had a great run with the title for his first reign, that is the kind of run I think Punk needs. No less than six months with the belt facing off against different competitors.

Tonight we will see if Punk can keep Del Rio at bay and hold onto his prized WWE Championship.