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CM Punk: WWE’s Cult of Personality

By Sean Farrell

He’s back!!! Although I am quite disappointed it was so soon. CM Punk has returned to the WWE with a “new look and theme song”, but this isn’t “new” by any means. Back in a time we wrestling fans dubbed the “Summer of Punk”, this was the exact same angle only this time on a far bigger scale. The new theme isn’t new at all either “Cult of Personality” by Living Colour was Punk’s theme song in Ring of Honor and honestly very fitting for this angle/rebirth.

But the reason for this piece is the symbolism behind the angle, CM Punk has become exactly what the theme song states a “Cult of Personality”. Just look at the definition and it is evident…A cult of personality arises when an individual(CM Punk) uses mass media, propaganda, or other methods, to create an idealized and heroic public image(Punk’s promo’s over the last few months), often through unquestioning flattery and praise. Cults of personality are usually associated with dictatorships, although in this case the WWE and Vince McMahon.

“I sell the things you need to be
I’m the smiling face of your T.V.
I’m the Cult of Personality
I exploit you; still you love me
I tell you one and one makes three”-Living Colour Cult of Personality

That verse is exactly what Punk did last night, Punk says “Jump” we don’t ask “How high?” we just jump like our lives depended on it and that is ok. He is the only pro wrestler left who has that ability other than Chris Jericho. CM Punk and Chris Jericho are iconic heels in wrestling, but no matter how bad they act we cheer for them anyway. I honestly believe if Chris Jericho and CM Punk were hitting the GTS and Walls of Jericho on a baby in the middle of the ring they would still receive cheers…The act of beating up a child in wrestling is a misdemeanor, we have seen FAR worse over the years.(Vince trying to 9/11 himself anyone?) But it is that desire, that IT factor, that ability to make yourself the show even though your simply following a poorly written script that is just remarkable on any level. Being the best workers in ring also makes CM Punk and Chris Jericho “the bar” for standards anymore on pro wrestlers not the yester-year Hulk Hogan, John Cena and the Superman gimmick…People want realism and they get it from Jericho and Punk.

CM Punk has literally become a Cult of Personality.

For those of you who missed last night’s RAW let me explain what happened vaguely. Rey Mysterio faced Miz to open the show and Rey was crowned “New” WWE Champion after a pretty good match. Triple H playing his new C.O.O. role gave John Cena his “rightful” (go figure) rematch for the title Rey just won at the end of the night. Cena defeats Mysterio and becomes the WWE Champion. The Arena erupts for Cena’s win, like it was his first title win. The arena filled with screams and chants of CENA! CENA! CENA! but after the match this song hits.

Everyone in my house watching RAW with me is baffled at the song wondering who is that? Is it someone new? Most of the arena was too, I simply applauded and was instantly bombarded with questions on who it was and I simply said “He’s back” and CM Punk walks through the curtain. EVERYONE! immediately turned on John Cena, in the arena and in my house and went off like a bomb for CM Punk, the meaning behind the Cult of Personality became clear as day but then Punk made it complete by simply being him.
To cap off this night, CM Punk stood face to face with John Cena in the middle of the ring. Both men had a WWE title around their waist and both men held them up, first it was Cena. The crowd which was ALL on Cena’s side barely cheered compared to how they were 5 minutes prior and then CM Punk held up his title, and it was then I realized he truly is the “best in the world” at what he does and is professional wrestling’s Cult of Personality.

The only other time I have seen this done with such control over the crowd in every facet is by Chris Jericho. I also realized watching RAW last night (whenever Keith Stone was wasting my time with a cameo) something was missing. This something missing is part of wrestling history if it does happen…It will probably include the greatest promo battles in history and some of the most competitive matches in history as well and that something is the original pro wrestling Cult of Personality Chris Jericho against the new Cult of Personality CM Punk…Did I mention they are both “The Best In The World” at what they do?

Everyone is clamoring for Cena vs. Rock, I for one don’t want to see that match as it will be GARBAGE, although the promos leading up to it are going to be fun. I will be hoping that one day I will be able to witness an angle as perfect as a Jericho and Punk angle would be.

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