CM Punk’s WWE Backstage appearance was exactly what we expected
Last night, CM Punk made his first long form appearance on WWE Backstage and it went down exactly how we all thought it would go. But that’s not a bad thing.
Call it breaking the internet. Call it shocking the culture. But whatever we decide to collectively call it, it was the return of CM Punk. Well, kind of. It was the return of CM Punk to WWE programming. Well, kind of. The debut of CM Punk on WWE Backstage served as the first time we saw Punk on FOX sponsored WWE programming. That’s better.
Punk made sure to make that distinction during his first episode as the show’s newest news analyst. “As I’ve stated, I work for Fox,” he clarified once again during his opening sit down talk with Renee Young. “I haven’t talked to anyone in WWE. [Wrestling’s] nothing that I’m actively pursuing or interested in.”
Many of the remarks regarding his in-ring status (or lack there of) were comments that he more or less has continued to regurgitate for different platforms over the course of nearly six years. And, as many of us expected, he set the record straight once more.
He also took the time to criticize the current WWE product as he saw appropriate (i.e. last Friday’s Baron Corbin promo, which Punk called an example of “garbage” Creative) whilst making other panelists currently working for WWE too uncomfortable and hesitant to share his sentiment. All in between a few daring quips and cheeky one-liners.
It is exactly how many of us expected his WWE Backstage appearance to go down, but that is not necessarily a bad thing. In fact, it creates a big template to highlighting what could be the key to WWE Backstage’s success.
It’s too early after the episode went off the air to know if Punk’s appearance boosted the ratings, but frankly, I don’t care about stuff like that. I just want an entertaining show and WWE Backstage was wildly entertaining.
Punk’s unapologetic demeanor and brutal honesty as a guy who doesn’t have to keep a tight lip with WWE Superstars currently employed by WWE creates a fun (if not, somewhat awkward) chemistry that’s captivating. He’s not here to sell angles or even convince you to watch WWE’s show or PPV. He’s just giving his opinions on what he sees.
Not having a WWE company man try 24/7 to sell you something in their words is so refreshing and Punk is that perfect person to fill that role. Not to mention, he’s quick witted enough to make for some funny conversations and moments with both hosts and guests. The segment with David Arquette was a highlight.
If WWE Backstage keep this dynamic going week after week and just let CM Punk be CM Punk without policing his diction, WWE Backstage could be truly great and a gold mine of weekly analytical television.
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When I tuned in last night, I thought for certain I was going to hate it or it would be boring, but it was just the contrary. It was surprisingly gripping and funny. All because of CM Punk. Keep it up, you folks at FOX. Keep it up.