​CM Punk’s history with WWE is a gripping tale of a trailblazer battling against the system—a figure whose frustrations with backstage politics and preferential treatment symbolize the struggle for authenticity in an industry often dominated by spectacle. Despite holding what was once the longest modern-day reign as WWE Champion, Punk was twice denied the ultimate accolade: headlining WrestleMania. For a talent of his caliber, this was more than just a slight—it was a testament to WWE’s priorities, where marquee names like John Cena and other Hall of Fame attractions consistently overshadowed his contributions.
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The irony in Punk’s narrative lies in the rise of Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins—two stars he helped elevate during their formative years. Reigns, in particular, has become an unstoppable force, shattering records with a 1,316-day reign as champion, a stark contrast to Punk’s own tenure, which, despite its historic length, often felt like a backdrop to WWE’s preferred stars. Similarly, Seth Rollins has carved out his legacy as "The Architect," crafting his career through masterful storytelling and character evolution. Punk’s pivotal role in launching The Shield ties their legacies together, underscoring his contributions as a foundational figure in their ascent.

​As fans gear up for WrestleMania, opinions are mixed. While there have been a few exceptional moments and rivalries—consider the likes of CM Punk, Reigns, and Rollins or the compelling Cena-Rhodes feud—there's a growing sentiment that the journey leading to the grand event feels somewhat underwhelming. Even the rivalries that show promise, such as those involving Belair, Sky, and Orton-Owens, could benefit from additional seasoning, particularly in the wake of this month’s surprising Premium Live Event, the Elimination Chamber.

Currently, the narrative seems dominated by John Cena's heel turn and his escalating rivalry with WWE Universal Champion Cody Rhodes. On the opposite side, fans rally behind babyface Jey Uso, this year’s Royal Rumble winner and a former key member of the Bloodline. Yet, his conflict with Gunther lacks the intensity one typically expects from a World Heavyweight Championship rivalry.

​There's been a surge of chatter lately, even more so than the buzz following the Elimination Chamber that took place on March 1st. John Cena is making waves on the internet with his unexpected heel turn as part of his retirement tour. The overall reaction to his first promo as a heel has been mixed. While it has garnered considerable praise, it also comes with a dose of controversy, reminiscent of Cena's earlier career.

Many fans, as Cena himself pointed out in his promo, anticipated a new theme song, a fresh look, and new merchandise. Instead, he walked out just as he always has, which left many feeling disconnected from his transformation during Raw. However, there's no need to fret; it appears his approach was intentional.

For years, WWE legend and future Hall of Famer John Cena has embodied the ultimate babyface—a Superman-like figure who never gives up. Since 2003, he has remained steadfast in that role, resisting any significant character shift. Yet, he has often teased fans with the possibility of a heel turn—only for it to amount to nothing more than a joke or a ploy to generate buzz. However, the shocking turn at the end of Saturday’s PLE, Elimination Chamber has truly shaken both the wrestling and pop culture worlds.

This move—once long overdue and highly anticipated—isn’t necessarily what fans expected or even wanted at this stage of his career, especially during his retirement tour. Some are excited about the fresh unpredictability Cena brings to the Road to WrestleMania, while others are conflicted about the long-term implications post 'Mania. Like Cena himself was at times, this decision seems to be polarizing. It’s a bold risk that, depending on execution, could be a masterstroke or a misfire—especially given his legacy among the younger fans who have admired him for years. Though I will say, it's not so controversial that it doesn't seem to have worked, then again only time will tell how this can be really measured.

But what if I told you there are several compelling reasons to embrace this change?  ​

Back in early 2023, I wrote about an independent wrestling promotion near and dear to my heart, Northeast Wrestling, and how a string of shows they produced from 2022 to 2023 set the standard for storytelling on the indies and left me coming back for more every month. As someone who has closely followed N.E.W. for a decade and a half, this was the most excited I had ever been to be a fan of the product, which is saying a lot considering the high quality of content they've produced in that time.

An eight-month-long hiatus put a halt to their hot momentum at the end of 2023, but N.E.W. returned with a bang in April with their Hat City Havoc II event, headlined by N.E.W. Hall of Famer's Brian Anthony's bittersweet retirement match. I was curious to see if the company's creative direction would pick up right where it left off and it surely did not disappoint.