WWE: 10 Reasons Why CM Punk Is Responsible for the Return of Wrestling

When something is so good we talk about it months later, you know it becomes a special moment in wrestling lore.

CM Punk's shoot interview transcended the wrestling world this year and set the business on its ear.

We haven't seen that since the days of the "Attitude Era" in the WWF and the likes of Steve Austin, Shawn Michaels and The Rock.

Punk's style and his presence is the reason for many things this year, but he may have brought "wrestling" back to the status it needed to be. No other wrestler right now can do that. Not John Cena, not Randy Orton and not even The Rock.

Wrestling was slipping and starting to lose its edge. It took an idea, an act and a process. But Punk brought wrestling back to the way we remember it.

Here are some reasons why.

10. He Became the Biggest Face in the Company

For the first time in some time the WWE has someone other than John Cena to carry the company.

Cena has been the face of the company for years, winning titles, proving to be the best in the business.

Now he can share that burden.

Punk is plenty capable of being "the guy" and will sell merchandise just like his rival.

9. He Made Us See Wrestling for What It Was

Just watch, and you will understand.

8. He Made Wrestling Mainstream Again

While wrestlers have been in movies, television shows and in the Hollywood stage, Punk gave it life again.

Not since Hulk Hogan started Hulkamania and entertained the masses have we seen a wrestler go to such events as Comic Con and on late night television to promote the business.

7. He Started This "Conspiracy" Thing

He was the one who made us follow the trend. He is the one who questioned how wrestling should be versus how it was.

Everyone wanted to know who was part of the "Conspiracy" although it never really materialized.

And if it ever does, we can thank Punk for it.

6. We Saw the Past and Realized We Did Not Like It

Kevin Nash power bombed CM Punk at Summer Slam. Alberto Del Rio won the WWE title.

We could have done without Kevin Nash.

It just proved that Punk could rile the best of them. And someone like Nash should not get in the ring again.

5. He Sold for Miz

He helped The Miz become one of the bigger heels and stars in 2011.

The rivalry between Punk and Miz could be the best rivalry in 2012.

Both are talented, great on the mic and even better in the ring.

4. He Sold for John Cena...John Cena Sold for CM Punk

It was the best feud of the year.

John Cena and Punk beat the hell out of each other. It was old school wrestling where two men feuded for months, had the fans involved and even the promos were out of this world.

Cena/Punk proved there were so many good things right about wrestling. There may not be another rivalry like it again in some time.

3. He Backed Up What He Said All Year Long

Whether it started with the Nexus and ended with feuds with The Miz, Alberto Del Rio and others, Punk was never afraid to fight the good fight.

Punk spoke it and then went out and delivered.

He met Randy Orton, Wade Barrett, Triple H, John Cena and others and every time he said he was going to do something, he did it.

You cannot ask for anything more than that.

2. He Followed Steve Austin's Lead

Austin proved you could hate your boss and still be liked in the company.

Not since the antics of Austin has there been a man who could get in the face of Vince McMahon and make fans stand at attention.

Punk is the modern day Austin for these fans, and while the two may never be as alike as we hoped they would be, Punk is still an anti-hero we all can love and respect.

1. He Made Wrestling Matter

TNA may claim to be the one brand where "Wrestling Matters" but CM Punk shows that every time he steps in the ring.

Wrestling was believed to be a sport where two men got in the ring and sold everything they had for the fans. Punk follows that and has spoken his mind and walked the walk.

Not many wrestlers can say they did that this year