King Punk

The sun was setting over The Sprint Center in Kansas City, Missouri. Had this been the day of The King Of The Ring, the landscape of the EBWF would be entirely different. There could be new champions and a new number one contender would be determined. But it was the night before the huge yearly event. And it seemed as though one superstar had an itchy trigger finger. CM Punk had his arms folded over his chest with his back pressed against one of the arena walls as he stood outside of the venue. 

CM Punk: "You know, I wasn't really looking for a fancy location for this. It's not necessary. Because what's important here are my words. This time last year I wasn't in the King Of The Ring Tournament. And that's because I was the World Champion. I was running this place and I was watching everyone else scatter around like rats to come up with a challenger for me. The finals were Chris Jericho vs Alex Riley of all people. And after Alex couldn't get it done, he threw himself a little fit and ran off. You can currently catching him losing to Jinder Mahal every over week on Superstars. Good career move, Alex."

Punk made an "OK" sign with his fingers with a sarcastic expression painted across his mug.

 CM Punk: This year I'm a part of the maze. Which brings me to my most glaring point..it's been far too long since I had that World Title around my waist."

  

Punk began to wring his wrists in a circular motion. It was something he did in the ring and at the moment he was chomping at the bit for it to be Sunday night.

CM Punk: "I'm outside of the arena where I can not only become King Of The Ring but I can also get my shot at that championship. At some point during this tournament, that third grade drop out Mr. Anderson said something to the effect that he had the advantage because he was the only person in this whole deal who had beaten AJ Styles. Now I know Anderson has never professed to being the smartest cat around but what he said was incredibly untrue. Because not only have I beaten AJ Styles I've also beaten the man that could potentially be the new World Champion when the night is over..Ted DiBiase. If I can win my two matches tonight I know for a fact that I will once again hold the most prized possession in this industry. But there IS one man I've never beaten.."

He paused momentarily. Humility? More like annoyance.

CM Punk: "And that man is Randy Orton. My first opponent. A Wrestle Mania main event caliber match. I guess I can't really make excuses as to why I've ever beaten Orton before. When I faced him it was during his monumental title run. Hell, I even made sure to get Randy Orton on my side when I was running Elite because I knew what he was capable of. And, admittedly, so I could turn on him when he out lasted his usefulness and stand with my foot on his throat with my fist raised to the sky in victory.

The Straight Edge Superstar gave his shoulders a shrug.

CM Punk: "Hey, I'm a sucker for visuals. Anyway, Orton knew that. We were only on the same side because we had a mutual enemy. I never got to have that throat crushing moment of triumph because I ended up getting suspended and Randy took his hitch off of the Elite trailer. But that moment is coming tonight. And it's been a long time in the making."

Punk needed that victory over Orton for his own personal satisfaction. And he definitely looked prepared to go to any length possible to achieve that.

CM Punk: "When Orton came back from his little sabbatical, I thought we were going to see another reign of terror. I mean, he took Brian Kendrick out of everyone's misery and main evented Wrestle Mania. I thought 'The Killer' had returned. But that's not exactly what we got. I don't what Orton's been doing for these last few months. Screwing around with that druggy Jeff Hardy who couldn't even make it out of the first round and is probably one piss test away from the unemployment line. And THAT guy gave him trouble? I think he might have even dropped a match to Ted Jr during that time. Not exactly the man I was expecting. But he might counter with: 'What's Punk been doing since Mania?' Well, I would have been spending my time kicking Chris Jericho's teeth down his throat, and that day will come eventually, but I got a little sidetracked by some spineless jellyfish named John Cena. Still, during that time I won a Slammy for Wrestler of The Year. But as of now my focus is razor sharp and it's directly on whoever has my title when the night's over with. And that includes the last two road locks in my path. And Orton is one of those roadblocks."

Anxiously, Punk began to tap the sole of his sneaker against the wall behind him.

CM Punk: "I don't only want that belt back..I need it back. And there isn't anyone who is going to stop me from doing that. I know that Orton is going to be a challenge. And I KNOW it's going to be a load of fun having one more match after that war. But I'm prepared to do whatever it takes. Nothing short of ripping my skin off is going to stop me. And even then I would slap on a few bandages and be good to go. All the RKO's all the punts, it's not going to mean anything. Because if the Orton that shows up is anything less than the 'Silent Assassin' who was the most dominate champion this company has ever seen..I'm going to rip his still beating heart straight out of his chest. Or do my absolute damndest to try. And if he thinks Brian Kendrick trying to set his wife on fire was the worst thing that's happened to him this year..he had better make room at the top of that list. Room on the top for when CM Punk's left leg kept him from eating solid foods for two months."

           

Ah but the ranting wasn't over. Punk still had two more targets to go through. And he was never one to be short on ammunition.

CM Punk: "But I can't focus all of my attention on Randy. Because I still have to deal with two more opponents. One of them potentially being Trent Barreta. Trent Barreta is probably the biggest underdog out of the four but I don't see it that way. Trent is the only one out of us who is a champion. A dual champion, as a matter of fact. And people rag on Barreta for being a dork who obsesses over video games. And, yeah, he is a dork who obsesses over video games. But if my memory is correct, I don't believe he's been pinned in a singles match since returning. So, the kid is on top of his game. I'm sure as hell not going to underestimate him. The thing is..Trent is lacking something. Not his in-ring skills. I'm talking about experience. Orton and I have been World Champion. Cody Rhodes has been in the main events of pay per views. Trent has never competed at this level. And I know he's a nervous wreck because it's impossible not to be. But I don't get nervous. I don't get butterflies. I've been to the top. And if I have to face Trent I am NOT going to be his stepping stone. I'm not going to be his chance to show his parents how far he's come. I have beaten Trent Barreta before but I know the kid I could be standing across the ring against  is a completely different animal. He's has success and he isn't just Zack Ryder's lacky anymore. So with all that in mind..if I have to knock a few teeth out of the kid's head, I'll do it and I'll do it with a smile."

 Hey, he wasn't one to discriminate. Any and all opponents were going to get the same treatment tonight. Punk leaned a little closer to the camera.


CM Punk: "I'm talking directly to you, Trent. If you can make it past Rhodes then congrats on your very first pay per view main event. You can tell the world how you and CM Punk tore the house down and you got a few close calls. And, eventually, you might be on my level. But not tonight. Because I'm better than you. And even if I like you more than the rest..it's not going to stop me from killing you. But, hey, you got a cute little girlfriend who I'm sure will be ready to patch you up. Maybe she'll let you carry around her title and you can play pretend. That is, if I feel like leaving anything left."

 Two down and one to go. Punk had been to pace a trail back and forth now.


CM Punk: "Which brings me to Cody Rhodes. It took taking a fireball to the face to finally get him to get his career out of the graveyard. If that's the case, it should have happened a long time ago. Because at least now there's a point to your existence besides giving guys like me an easy win. But with all your past failures aside, I won't take you lightly either. Because you've always lost a few screws along the way. You might be a little warped but it's not the first time I've been in the ring with someone who desperately, desperately needs therapy. Hey Cody! Guess what I can do? I can go waltz down the street and grab a hot dog without making children cry!"

 Once again, he leans in closer to the camera.


CM Punk: "Does that make you upset? Or depressed? GOOD. You're not the only one who's life isn't what they want it to be but some how we all miraculously deal with it! Welcome back to the main event picture, Rhodes. That ball you dropped so long ago is probably feeling pretty heavy right now, isn't it? You drop this match and you're going right back to curtain jerking. You Phantom of the Opera looking bastard. If you make it to me I'm not just going to bust up your face, I'm going to shatter your pride. It took so long for you to grow a pair of balls that I refuse to believe you even have them. The world is cruel, Cody, and so am I."

 
His intensity has grown as the promo went along.


CM Punk: "Tonight is going to be eventful. It's a little late but the summer of Punk 2012 is about be in full effect. Because I feel as hungry as I did when I first stepped foot in this company. And that is absolutely horrible news for every person in this federation, including whoever I face tonight. And, I assure you, King Punk is going to do what he always does..turn this place upside down and make sure that no one is safe." 


XXX


True to his anti-social nature, CM Punk was a solitary creature when preparing for a show. It was a few hours before the King of the Ring would hit the air but he was already in his ring gear with one of his newer shirts covering his tattoo covered torso. The usual warmup of stretches and ear-splitting music blaring in his earbuds ensued. He had found himself a nice little corner in the gorilla position where he wouldn't be disturbed. Although, at this point, most everyone stayed out of his way once he was in his "quiet place". But there were a few he would have to interact with, including agents. This particular one he knew very well. The former warped psychiatrist known as Dr. Stevie had taken an off camera role to help put together matches for the talent, his numerous years in the wrestling business making him a perfect fit. With his long haired pulled backwards, sporting a navy colored polo shirt, he approached his former on-air stablemate and Punk removed his 'buds.

Stevie Richards: "Alright Punk. Obviously, I don't need to tell you or Randy how to put together a match. Whatever you two want to do is fine."

CM Punk: "Cool."

Punk went back to through a few imaginary punches through the air. Having been on the road with him through the majority of Punk's initial years in the company, the ECW alumni could tell something was on the wrestlers mind.

Stevie Richards: "Something bugging you?"

CM Punk: "Usual dumb shit."

Stevie Richards: "Is it about Cena?"

That name had been a constant thorn in Punk's side for the few last months.

CM Punk: "No. Doubt he's even in the building. I'm surprised that Trent went over him but that's cool with me. I just hear the talk going around. That I'm Wes's "golden boy."

He had to roll his eyes at the thought.

CM Punk: "Like I didn't earn everything I had. Like I didn't have to claw and tear to even get his respect or my spot. But I'm a favorite to win because of that. Ya know, not because I'm over, I sell tickets and merchandise and I always have good matches."

Punk turned to Stevie and lightly patted him on the shoulder.

CM Punk: "Eh, but fuck it. I'm here because I should be. And if I win it's because it's the right decision. I've got three potential opponents that I couldn't have a bad match with if I tried. I'm good. I'm happy."

Stevie Richards: "Alright then. We'll get the outcomes to you shortly. If you and Randy want to go over some things you should know where to find him."

Punk merely performed a quick salute and slid his earbuds back in. Stevie walked off and he returned to his regularly scheduled warm up. For the moment, the potential crisis of having a "match", and that was a very loose term, with Cena was avoided. He could focus on wrestling. His job. And that's the way he felt it should have always been. Unfortunately, he knew that issue was probably going to be rearing it's head again sooner rather than later.