Wrestling Forum banner

Rate The Rock vs. CM Punk Feud

  • Underwhelming :punk3

    Votes: 78 20.6%
  • Decent/Good :rock

    Votes: 171 45.1%
  • Great :punk:rock3

    Votes: 130 34.3%

Official The Rock vs. CM Punk Discussion Thread

823K views 9K replies 1K participants last post by  Nimbus 
#1 · (Edited)
wwe.com said:
Perhaps the parade was premature. Perhaps the celebrating, the humble tweets to The People and the legions of Team Bring It, and the proclamation that FINALLY, The Rock was WWE Champion once again jumped the gun by just a bit. Maybe, just maybe, The Rock put the horse before the cart when he celebrated his latest triumph on Raw Roulette, because CM Punk is not done with The Great One by a long shot.


How could he be, either? When a Superstar holds the WWE Title — Punk’s “life’s work,” in his own words — for 434 days spread across three calendar years, he does not just simply throw up his hands and call it a good run when the prize is taken from his clutches. So it was of no surprise when, during The Rock’s celebratory address to the WWE Universe as its new champion, The Straight Edge Superstar himself declared would be evoking his rematch clause – “granting” Rock a rematch was how he earned it – at Elimination Chamber. It was also of no surprise that The Rock gladly accepted.

But once again, maybe Rock is counting his proverbial chickens too early, because for all CM Punk’s feverish boasting in his final days as champion, he was right about one thing after the Royal Rumble: Hedidpin The Rock. It was one-two-three in the middle of the ring, although it took a sneak attack by who we can only assume was The Shield to weaken The Brahma Bull enough for Punk to make the pin. And it was only after Mr. McMahon restarted the bout that The Great One found enough of a second wind to silence CM Punk and put The Straight Edge Superstar to sleep, claiming his eighth WWE Championship in the process.

So at Elimination Chamber, the most brutal pit stop on The Road to WrestleMania, The Rock will face his own personal demon yet again. And The People’s Champion will have to be very, very careful, because CM Punk does not make the same mistake twice, and he is very, very angry. The very real opinion exists — depending whom you ask — that Punk should still be WWE Champion. And with it, the very real possibility exists — should The Rock think one victory equals winning the war — that The Brahma Bull’s parade could end as soon as it began and that CM Punk will be champion again, with history in his hands for the third time.


Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson said:
Over 100 years of Heavyweight Champions.

3 generations in my blood.

New WWE Champion.

My honor. TEAM BRING IT.


wwe.com said:
Attitude Era original Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson will compete in his first World Title match in more than a decade when he challenges WWE Champion CM Punk, the longest-reigning WWE Title holder of the past quarter-century, at Royal Rumble on Jan. 27.

The WWE Universe has anxiously awaited The Great One’s return to the WWE Title picture since he announced his championship opportunity on Raw 1,000 last July. Though there was no guarantee at the time whom The Rock’s opponent would be, the always-confident Punk fired an opening salvo that night, cutting down The Rock with a clothesline before knocking him out with a picture-perfect Go to Sleep. The following week, The Voice of the Voiceless defended his actions by suggesting The Great One, having been “gifted” a WWE Title match, viewed victory at the Royal Rumble as a foregone conclusion.

Whether a real or perceived slight, the implication that The Rock places himself on a higher plane than the current WWE Champion was seemingly all the motivation Punk needed to make sure he would still have the title on Jan. 27.

In the half-year since Raw 1,000, The Second City Saint stunned WWE fans by aligning with Paul Heyman and ratcheting up the vitriol of his speech. More important than either of those details, he has — by hook or by crook — maintained possession of the championship gold. Having turned back challenges by John Cena and Ryback in recent months, The Best in the World now looks ahead to testing himself against the seven-time former WWE Champion who vowed in 2012 to regain the title.

For The Rock, an A-list Hollywood action star and third-generation Superstar who has sports-entertainment coursing through his veins, the Royal Rumble title match represents the start of a potential career renaissance inside the ring. Since March 2004, The Most Electrifying Man in All of Entertainment has competed in only two sanctioned WWE matches, teaming with John Cena to shred The Awesome Truth (The Miz & R-Truth) at Survivor Series 2011 and overcoming the Cenation leader at WrestleMania XXVIII.

But by vying for the most treasured prize in sports-entertainment, The Rock is committing to more than another appearance as a “special attraction.” Rather, he is setting his eyes on again becoming WWE’s gold standard.

Hell-bent though The Rock may be on introducing a new generation of WWE fans to The People’s Champion, there is no discounting Punk’s deftness once the bell rings. Controversial endings to several high-profile title defenses may have tarnished The Second City Saint’s reputation in the eyes of some critics, but they have done nothing to change the fact the WWE Championship still sits around his waist. Before his seedier side came into focus in late summer, Punk spent much of 2012 disposing of WWE’s best and brightest, ranging from Chris Jericho and Daniel Bryan to Dolph Ziggler and Kane. How will the WWE Champion match up against one of the pillars of The Attitude Era?

As the WWE Universe excitedly counts down the days until Jan. 27, the back-and-forth between two of WWE’s most compelling talkers is bound to pick up steam. It will not be until the Royal Rumble, however, that the trash talk gives way to the gravity of a game-changing WWE Championship bout, the likes of which hasn’t seen in years. Will Royal Rumble mark the rebirth of a championship Brahma Bull, or will it only underscore what Punk has claimed all along, that he is untouchable and in a class by himself?
The Rock explains why he wants WWE Title

WWE part-time star The Rock revealed why re-capturing the WWE Title is important to him in a new interview with WWE Magazine. It's a statement that has been missing from WWE television leading up to the Royal Rumble PPV.

"It starts with recognizing what the WWE Championship represents to me," Rock said in the February 2013 issue. "Every time I hold that title over my head in victory, it not only signifies the fact that I have delivered the absolute best entertainment that I could to the WWE Universe, but that I'm taking a moment to live an experience that all the generations of wrestlers in my family strived to achieve.

Rock continued, "There is no other award that I could receive that's as deeply ingrained in my blood and history as the WWE Championship - and that's why it means so much to me."

At the same time, Rock said that after his first WWE Title reign - which came in 1998 - he decided that he would never allow his possession of or lack of the WWE Title define his career.

"After my first WWE Championship run came to an end, I made a conscious decision that night that I would work harder than any other Superstar in the locker room to become the type of WWE entertainer who, if I never had another championship run again, it would not define my career. I never wanted to rely on a title run for success."

Rock's next statement reflects his recent approach to mixing "entertainment" with "seriousness." Rock concluded, "My goal was to get to a place where I relied only on what I could bring to the table in terms of being entertaining and having a one-of-a-kind - and electrifying - connection with all of the WWE Universe."

[ FYI: Rock's interview is part of a cover-feature on Rock in the latest WWE Magazine. ]

Link - http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_68014.shtml














 
See less See more
9 2
#7,657 ·
Re: Do people realise Punk has done all the ground work for Punk Vs The Rock?

I love Punk but it's not going to be because of him why the Rumble buyrate will be huge, it's all on Rock. It doesn't matter(yes, pun intended) who Rock faces, his sheer presence guarantees a huge buyrate.

With that being said, Punk has been performing fantastically for a long long time now.
 
#7,662 · (Edited)
Re: Do people realise Punk has done all the ground work for Punk Vs The Rock?

The Rock Vs Zack Ryder would not draw the same as The Rock Vs CM Punk


How did Punk do that? By killing the ratings for Raw? Ending Ryback's momentum? Masterminding the most lackluster heel turn in the history of Raw?
1. GTS to The Rock on RAW 1000 lacklustre?
2. One guy alone brings down the ratings?
3. Ryback has been squashing jobbers who where not on the the roster.

+ WWE is scripted and it isn't Punks choice who he faces.
More fool Vince for making CM Punk Vs Ryback by your logic.
+ You dont need to win a feud to get put over. The sheer fact that Rybacks first major feud was against the second most popular full time guy and the long term WWE champion is a massive rub.
 
#7,661 ·
Re: Do people realise Punk has done all the ground work for Punk Vs The Rock?

let just say they both do what they do perfectly - both different styles on the MIC but they've done a million miles better then the Cena/Rock shit.
Which rivalry had better promos? I don't know, I don't really care much for either.

Which rivalry was more interesting to watch on raw? Cena vs Rock x 100

Rock and Punk are desperately scrambling to get something going.
 
#7,667 ·
Re: Do people realise Punk has done all the ground work for Punk Vs The Rock?

Think about it. CM Punk had 6 months to prepare for this rivalry and these promos. The best he could come with was a crappy promo about "I beat the system" and "Rock you're kids stuff". Really? That's all you got after 6 months? Really? Really?
 
#7,668 ·
Re: Do people realise Punk has done all the ground work for Punk Vs The Rock?

Think about it. CM Punk had 6 months to prepare for this rivalry and these promos. The best he could come with was a crappy promo about "I beat the system" and "Rock you're kids stuff". Really? That's all you got after 6 months? Really? Really?
The Rock had the same amount of time and the best he came up with was Cookiepuss and Twinkie Tits :punk2
 
#7,673 ·
Re: Do people realise Punk has done a lot the ground work for Punk Vs The Rock?

Punk hasn't contributed a lick. All of it is down to The Rock's name and massive star power. He could have anybody who has been built to be somewhat credible as opponent and the buyrates would be the same. And when I talk about credibility, I mean that obviously Rock vs Punk will sell more than Rock vs Ryder but that's all to do with the fact one has actually been booked to get people caring whereas the other is a jobbing geek.
 
#7,675 ·
Re: Do people realise Punk has done a lot the ground work for Punk Vs The Rock?

Punk hasn't contributed a lick. All of it is down to The Rock's name and massive star power. He could have anybody who has been built to be somewhat credible as opponent and the buyrates would be the same. And when I talk about credibility, I mean that obviously Rock vs Punk will sell more than Rock vs Ryder but that's all to do with the fact one has actually been booked to get people caring whereas the other is a jobbing geek.
So the fact The Rock is facing CM Punk plays no contributing factor?

If that what your saying then let someone change your password for so you cant log on again and talk stupidity.
 
#7,674 ·
Re: Do people realise Punk has done a lot the ground work for Punk Vs The Rock?

The heel usually does lay a substantial amount of ground work to a story. Think about Batman/Joker. It's the villain that is the antagonist, the driving force, and the babyface or hero is in the position to either succeed or fail at taking him down.
 
#7,678 ·
Re: Do people realise Punk has done all the ground work for Punk Vs The Rock?

The heel usually does lay a substantial amount of ground work to a story. Think about Batman/Joker. It's the villain that is the antagonist, the driving force, and the babyface or hero is in the position to either succeed or fail at taking him down.
god damn right it should be. When Rock arrived at Raw there was nothing there. It was a blank page. CM Punk didn't have a gimmick or great heat. Rock had to bust his ass get some kind of rivalry going with this guy who has no concept of how to sell a ppv.

CM Punk job for the last 6 months has been to get under as many peoples skins as possible and slowly turn heel. It was a near impossible and difficult thing to do because he was so popular. And he has done it so well that he is arguably one of the best heels of all time. If they turn him face again them fans will be cheering him again a week later.



Can you not read or do your rose tinted glasses block out the truth.

1. He hurt the product. OK, thats your opinion your entitled to it and whether your categorically wrong is irrelevant because its your opinion.

He is possibly one of the main things keeping WWEs heads above water for the last 15 months.

2. Vince decides who Ryback faces and loses to not Punk.
Rybacks first major feud was against CM Punk, at the time 300+ Champion, Longest Champion in 25 year. In the main event. CM Punk who has beaten Mark Henry, John Cena, Del Rio, The Miz, Chris Jericho, Big Show, Daniel Bryan to get to this point.

The fact that Rybacks first major feud was in all of these circumstances is a major achievement and massive rub.

Im not comparing CM Punk to HHH or The Undertaker but CM Punk lost to them both but it didnt damage him it benefited and made him look strong that he could hang with these guys.


Wrestling is scripted look at Tensai and Khali and how big they are. If Vince decides he doesn't like Ryback he could easily be booked the same way as them.
we don't know if Punk refused to drop the title. It looks he was granted each and every one of his wishes. New entrance music check, 6 months angle with his best friend check, brought in his idol in wrestling as his manager check, main event against Rock check, match against Undertaker at Mania possibly check
 
#7,677 ·
What do you say about having CM Punk retain his title with the help of Brad Maddox/The Shield or some way of DQ...Go into the Elimination Chamber and win again with a surprise interference from Brock Lesnar(due to Paul E)...
And then at Wrestlemania,Punk's "punishment" for all that would be a triple threat match against John Cena and the Rock.

Also,this match could be elimination style,so CM Punk could be eliminated first and finally the crowd would have the "dream match" for a new Champion.That way you got them all happy.CM Punk marks with a 500+ days reign for their favorite superstar,and the Cena/Rock marks with the dream match at Mania. :cool2
 
#7,679 ·
For the Mania Triple Threat idea. Have the match end with The Rock unconscious, Cena has Punk in the STF and Punk's arm is across The Rock's chest at the same time. The ref count the pinfall and at the exact same time he says "three" Punk taps to the STF. Punk and Cena are both Champ, there's your feud after Mania :vince2
 
#7,680 ·
Re: Do people realise Punk has done a lot the ground work for Punk Vs The Rock?

What does anything you just said have to do with the price of tea in China?

Vince decides all.... ALL
 
#7,683 ·
Re: Do people realise Punk has done a lot the ground work for Punk Vs The Rock?

What does anything you just said have to do with the price of tea in China?

Vince decides all.... ALL
Jeff Jarrett demanded money to drop the title, Hogan refused to drop it to Hart....are you saying it never happened before in the history of wrestling?
 
#7,684 ·
Re: Do people realise Punk has done a lot the ground work for Punk Vs The Rock?

No. It has happened. But just look at the Screw Job

But just to put an end to this and to put and end to your posting.

CM Punk never refused to drop the title to Ryback because CM Punk was always going to hold the title until Royal Rumble because The Rock Vs CM Punk was pretty much organised just after Wrestlemania and was set up at RAW 1000. All before Ryback push and Ryback feud. Like I say you dont have to win a feud to be put over.
 
#7,691 ·
JR's Rumble Prediction
am most excited about the @CMPunk vs. @The Rock WWE Title bout than I am any other attraction of what will be a star laden card this Sunday in Phoenix on PPV at the Royal Rumble.

WWE Champion Punk is considered by some to have a chip on his shoulder. He's paid his dues many times over in the indie circuit in small venues for low pay time and again. But now he's made it and he won't leave it without a fight. Even in the world of sports entertainment for any one to think that there is a lack of legit physicality in a match with so much emotion riding on it it for a variety of reasons, some spoken and some simply left alone, is naive.

I expect to see Punk's stiff, Muay Tai kicks strike Rock in a multitude of positions and certainly multiple times over the course of the contest. There is no may that a part time wrestler, full time actor can prepare for such a circumstance other than to suck it up and endure it. Rock has never been known as one to back away from physicality.

Punk will push Rock much farther than did @JohnCena did last year at WM28 in Miami because Punk and Cena are different breeds of cat. Punk is the champion who's backed into the proverbial corner where champions are at their most dangerous.

Rock is the amazing star that has come home to once again attempt to live his family business dream and to respect is DNA and amazing genetics while becoming a multiple time WWE Champion.

That could well happen but it won't be pretty. This isn't going to be a smooth, wrestling classic. I see a fight occurring. I see both men testing each other's resolve. I see the established mega star (Rock) being pushed to his outer limits by the over achieving former indy wrestler who has perfected is craft to become the #1 man in the #1 company of its kind in the world.

Wins and losses Sunday won't come easy.

Punk is in ring shape that only being in the ring can allow one to achieve. Rock looks like $10M but there is no way humanly possible that he can be in tip top in ring condition. Where has he had the time to achieve such?

At the end of the day, I expect one major error to cost Punk the WWE Title. Rock will walk out of Phoenix a battled and bruised man but the new WWE Champion, however, I expect CM Punk to leave Phoenix as the star of the show.

This match has the potential to be one of the more controversial bouts that we've seen in WWE in years.

Again, this is merely one fans's opinion who will be thoroughly enjoying this PPV from my home in Norman .

I will say that stylistically and from a match structure standpoint that the Punk vs. Rock bout Sunday is the most legitimately intriguing bout that I can recall anticipating in years. That's a fact.
 
#7,696 ·
Problem I have with mods combining so many threads together is that there is 770 pages. Yet so many sub questions in between that get lost in this massive bulk. Most people posts go unnoticed and this is the most ineffective way of getting rid of too many threads on the same subject. The mods have too much time on their hands to go round sniffing out any way they can use their premium actions such as ending, combing and delting threads.
 
#7,699 ·
Punk wins the title at the rumble, rock wins the rumble and wins it at wm29, rock vs punk rematch main event ecw extreme rules match, then at OTL, it will be rock/cena part 2 with rock going over, this will be a no dq, no count out match, then at No way out, its the rock vs randy orton in a steel cage match for both the wwe and world's heavy weight titles, then at Money in the bank, its the rock vs Cena vs Punk for the titles with rock going over AND THEN, at summerslam Rock/punk in a I quit match for the titles, this ends in a draw after both guys are knocked out, rock/Cena part 3 with punk as the referee at night of champions with rock going over, at hell in a cell its a 6 man hell in a cell match with rock/punk/cena/orton/ryback/???? and at survivor serious ROCK/PUNK IN A 3 STAGES OF HELL MATCH WITH PUNK FINALLY GOING OVER and becoming the undisputed champion.
 
#7,704 ·
JR on commentary is epic on any match.
 
#7,703 ·
i could see either Punk or Rock entering the Rumble match too
if you think about it why would the WWE put this match earlier on the card instead of maineventing the PPV?!
with how big this match is we always thought it is ending the show but right now it seems The rumble match is the one going last and it wasn't going to be the first time a title match maineventing the RR
also remember when the rock talked about his WM feud and how it is starting next monday before his latest return on jan7?
maybe we will still get Rock vs Punk 2 at WM29!
 
#7,708 ·
They should have JBL, Cole, and JR on commentary for the Royal Rumble. Jerry Lawler is a horrible commentator and his ass has to retire all ready.
 
#7,710 ·
Punk will retain.. likely due to a returning Lesnar. The important thing on Raw was that backstage segment with Vince, he very specifically said "if THE SHIELD interferes", Punk will be stripped of the title, he didnt say "if anyone interferes", they wouldnt have done that segment if not to foreshadow Brock's return, and then CM Punk can gloat about how he did it without the shield's help just like Vince said.
 
#7,711 ·
Kofi Kingston
i met him when he first came back last year. He's real cool. He had some advice for me, I had a chance to pick his brain a bit ... I spoke to him about certain things about the business, just general questions about how he got to where he was. Obviously you see a guy like The Rock, you see his success, you want to know exactly - from his mind and his mouth - how he got there, because I want to emulate that. If you don't want the success The Rock has had, then you probably shouldn't be in the WWE.
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top