Payback Fallout - RAW

How’s It Going, Enthusiasts?

 

Enjoying Labor Day if you’re able? I can’t say that I mind it. It’s a relaxing afternoon for me. Just about to have a bit of tea 😉 So, there’s some stuff to talk about, isn’t there. Let’s get into it.

 

So, it happened. CM Punk was released from his AEW contract and we wonder where he may end up next. Naturally, all eyes are on WWE and I feel that’s a natural conclusion.

 

Whether this is all real or not, either way, AEW has made it clear it doesn’t really know how to deal with Punk. He’s got a rep in the industry so Tony Khan should have taken him on knowing he’d be a challenge. To me, this looks like Khan simply didn’t have the experience or clout in the industry to hold his own counter to Punk.

 

Given Punk’s disposition, it seems to me that you’re going have words with him from time to time. If you are not secure in yourself, you’re not going to get the man’s respect. I wouldn’t doubt Punk views Khan as a bit of kid still so, why listen to him? Khan caved and gave Punk his own show in the wake of all this brewing animosity. Most with any experience in the workplace knew right off that was probably a bad move. Khan should have more or less told Punk to get his shit together or there’s the door the first time something went down.

 

Once Khan gave into Punk, he lost a lot of the leverage in their dynamic. That sort of thing breeds brats when it comes to child rearing. It’s not such a stretch to think it fosters a sort of braggadocio in employees. Khan created this situation and was forced to eliminate it in the end. I hope that lesson is learned.

 

When it comes to WWE, we already know that there won’t be much tolerance for Punk's shit. They know shit comes with him but I feel this can be turned into some fun entertainment if everyone stays professional behind the scenes. If beef still exists with Triple H and William Regal, for example, they need to have private talks to get whatever that is under the bridge. This stuff makes good television but gets old fast in real time. If they can agree to turn this into a chance for CM Punk to make fun of himself and thus redeem himself, I think a partnership with WWE could prove more advantageous than either party may anticipate.

 

There’s a lot of fun and inside jokes lying in wait here. If they can just focus on that, much of the content starts to write itself. H may have to show up on television more just to tell Punk to get his diapers changed or to inquire if he needs a box of maxi pads because, of course, H is concerned about his well-being. Therein lies all the fun, pot shots galore is what I’m getting at. It could be a great time if they just let it. I hope they see that and it gives Punk a better stage to experiment with the shot-work. Got stronger, more established personalities around to play along.

 

Cody Rhodes is a good go-to for a feud. If they can give Edge a good deal, they can play up whatever “bad blood” and all the vets can simply prepare themselves for his bullshit. The younger guys can show admiration where applicable. The Heel kids can definitely rub Punk the wrong way when they disrespect the has-been. It makes for a lively backstage environment which is always good for TV. So, if both parties can agree to keep Punk’s shit “entertainment” I don’t see why they shouldn’t work together again. Let’s see if Punk can see the bigger picture.

 

As for AEW, Tony Khan gave himself another tough lesson when he addressed the Chicago crowd ahead of last week’s Collision. It’s no surprise they booed him mercilessly. This bit of information I would think would give WWE some reason to reconsider taking Punk back on. With Survivor Series set for Chicago, it would be just about a guaranteed pop if they re-debut him there. He could help someone out or something and get right to beefing the following RAW. I’d take the chance on him as long as all the residual issues are addressed and filed away for good. Drama has to stay on TV. That would be my primary stipulation.

 

So, that’s all I have to say about that. Let me just take it back to the WWE Universe. We have Payback Fallout and the return of Jey Uso. We’ve taken a slight aside from the Bloodline Saga to respect those who have recently passed. The mourning period officially over, it’s back to business. We’ll see how Jey adjusts to single life without Jimmy Uso at his side. Seth Rollins will respond to the after-show attack he suffered at the hands of Shinsuke Nakamura. The Judgment Day will take some time to strut around as all the members carry gold. And Chad Gable will attempt to ruin GUNTHER’s quest for history as the longest reigning Intercontinental Champion.

 

It should be a good show. Payback wasn’t phenomenal but it was a solid PPV. Becky Lynch and Trish Stratus bolstered their street-cred alongside Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn. We’ll see how they continue the momentum. I’ll be watching the West Coast airing. You’re more than welcome to join the unofficial watch party. No hard feelings if you find something else to do.

 

See You in a Bit,

-Nicole Alexis (^_~)