WWE 12 interview – CM Punk talks about the game, WrestleMania, comic books and more
The straight edge superstar reflects on his best year yet
By Henry Gilbert on December 6, 2011
In just a matter of months CM Punk has gone from undervalued and underrated to the one of the most popular wrestlers in WWE, currently holding the top title belt in the promotion. Thanks in part to his appeal to older fans and his respect for wrestling’s past, he’s at the top of his game these days. It seems the rest of sports entertainment has finally caught on to what hardcore fans have known for years: CM Punk is the best in the world.
Like most of the roster, Punk appears in WWE 12, the newest wrestling game from THQ and the successor to the SmackDown franchise, though thanks to contract disputes earlier in the year Punk almost didn’t make it. He got in just under the wire, and the devs were even able to incorporate his new entrance theme “Cult of Personality.” We sat down with the champion as he enjoyed his breakfast, he remarked about how impressed he was at the game makers’ ability to keep up with all the additions to expanding number of tattoos.
We began reflecting on the year that’s been and asking Punk how he thinks he can make next year even better. “Well it just depends on what I do at WrestleMania. It has to be something high profile at this point, but obviously the main event is set. So once again I miss out on what should be my rightful spot in Mania. But I’m a big Chicago Cubs fan, so I used to saying ‘there’s always next year.’”
By: Bobby Melok | December 6, 2011
On the WWE’s recent tour of Japan, several Superstars took part in a very special sports-entertainment tradition. They have the jacket and full stomachs to prove it.
The Ribera Steakhouse is a landmark in the Land of the Rising Sun. For years, Superstars have made pilgrimages to this small steakhouse in Tokyo, where their predecessors have wined and dined.
Photographs of those who have passed through for a meal line the tiny restaurant from floor to ceiling. Superstars sit down for a king-sized helping of steak, rice and corn. When they’re finished, they become members of an exclusive group when the restaurant’s proprietors present them with a satin coat emblazoned with its bull’s head logo.
For some, like WWE Champion CM Punk, it’s a chance to follow in the footsteps of their heroes. “I always remember looking at early wrestling magazines when I was a wee little Punker and seeing guys in these Ribera Steakhouse jackets and it became this elite group,” he told WWE.com.
“If you knew a guy that had a Ribera coat, that meant he did a tour of Japan. It’s a coveted thing.”
While satin jackets are no longer trendy or part of mainstream fashion, having been relegated to the retro lines of athletic clothing companies, Ribera’s garments are a badge of honor in the world of sports-entertainment.
[ Digitals | Screen caps ]
WWE Champion CM Punk, Alberto Del Rio and The Miz signed a contract for their WWE TLC bout
Now that the combatants for WWE TLC’s WWE Title Match were set, the Interim Raw General Manager upped the ante by making the bout a Triple Threat Tables, Ladders and Chairs Match. Although it is one of WWE’s most career-threatening bouts, all three Superstars eagerly signed the contract before attacking each other in an all-out brawl. As officials hit the ring to try to break up the melee, the WWE Universe cheered wildly, knowing they will see one hell of a match in two weeks.
WWE Championship Triple Threat TLC Match
WWE Champion CM Punk, Alberto Del Rio and The Miz will square off in a Triple Threat Tables, Ladders & Chairs Match with the WWE Title on the line. Only one man can leave a winner when the current and two former WWE Champions meet in the first-ever Triple Threat TLC Match for the WWE Championship at WWE TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs, live on pay-per-view Sunday, Dec. 18.
Executive Vice President of Talent Relations and Interim Raw General Manager John Laurinaitis announced this high-octane match where the Superstars will use tables, ladders and chairs as weapons and as tools to reach the WWE Title, which will be suspended some 20 feet in the air over the ring. Dangerous, harrowing and thrilling, TLC matches push competitors to the limit physically and mentally as they battle at dizzying heights in their quest for squared circle immortality.
The Miz and Del Rio had to defeat two SmackDown Superstars – Randy Orton and Daniel Bryan, respectively – on Raw Supershow to earn their spots in the WWE TLC Match. While John Cena was named as another participant, he gave up his chance at the WWE Title to give his friend, Zack Ryder, an opportunity to earn a U.S. Title Match against Dolph Ziggler.
John Cena, Alberto Del Rio, CM Punk, Mark Henry, The Miz and Randy Orton all had an amazing year, but which competitor deserves to win the Slammy for “Superstar of the Year?” Vote now!
WWE.com has added photos of CM Punk from Yokohama, Japan.
Related Links:
Digitals > Other > WWE Overseas 2011 > Yokohama, Japan
@CMPunk: Yes, this really happened. pic.twitter.com/4i3m1V0w
Related Links:
Pictures from other websites > Twitter.com > CM Punk’s Twitter
CM PUNK
Last Week: 1
This Week: 1
The WWE Champion successfully defended his title against the underhanded Alberto Del Rio on Monday night.
Thanks to Kim, we have scans from the Holiday 2011 issue of WWE Magazine. Check them out below and make sure you stop by Kim’s sites, Ted-DiBiaseJr.com and Jillian-H.com, the ultimate sources for Ted DiBiase Jr. and Jillian Hall!
Related Links:
Books and Magazine Scans > WWE Magazine > Holiday 2011
CM Punk spoke briefly at the beginning of Colt Cabana’s Art of Wrestling podcast this week. Head over to WeLoveColt.com to listen to the show.
