Why CM Punk Thought Vince McMahon Would Say No To WWE Contract Demand
CM Punk had a significant demand while negotiating a contract with Vince McMahon, and was surprised that the WWE boss gave Punk what he wanted.
When CM Punk was feuding with John Cena for the WWE Title in the summer of 2011, he was also negotiating with former WWE Chairman Vince McMahon about a new contract. It was a legitimate situation that was used in a storyline.
At the WWE Money in the Bank PLE in July 2011, CM Punk beat John Cena for the WWE Title in his hometown of Chicago in front of an angry McMahon. Punk went home, put the WWE Title in his fridge, and took a photo of it. Punk ended up agreeing to WWE contract terms, and the story continued from there.
There was also a change to Punk’s presentation around that time because he stopped using the song called “This Fire Burns” and started using the popular song “Cult of Personality” by Living Colour. Punk has been using “Cult of Personality” ever since.
While responding to fan questions on GQ’s YouTube, Punk was asked if he’d consider using “This Fire Burns” again rather than “Cult of Personality.”
“No, I can’t, and I’m gonna tell you why, even though it’s none of your business. ‘Cult of Personality’ is iconic. ‘This Fire Burns’ is also iconic. But come on, we’re talking about Living Colour. Vernon Reid. That song’s been with me since 1989 when it came out and I was on the Little League team, The Indians.”
CM Punk Knew Vince McMahon Hated Paying For Licensed Music
That led to Punk explaining why he knew it was the right time for a theme song change and why he was shocked that Vince McMahon let him do it.
“I knew it was time to make ‘Cult Of Personality’ my official theme song in WWE when I was renegotiating my contract and I knew how much Vince McMahon hated to pay for licensed music.
And I said, ‘Guess what, pal? The only way I’m re-signing is if I get this song.’ I thought he was gonna say no and I was gonna peace out and go on vacation. He said yes, and well, now here I am.”
At WWE Wrestlepalooza on September 20th, CM Punk will team up with his wife, AJ Lee, against Seth Rollins and his wife, Becky Lynch, in a mixed tag team match that has become very physical.
WWE Wrestlepalooza takes place on September 20th. Here’s the lineup so far.
- John Cena vs. Brock Lesnar
- Undisputed WWE Championship: Cody Rhodes (c) vs. Drew McIntyre
- CM Punk & AJ Lee vs. Seth Rollins & Becky Lynch
- For the Vacant Women’s World Championship: Stephanie Vaquer vs. Iyo Sky
- The Usos – Jimmy & Jey Uso vs. Bronson Reed & Bron Breakker
You can watch Wrestlepalooza, streaming LIVE Saturday, September 20, at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT on ESPN in the United States and on Netflix everywhere else.
Also read: Why CM Punk is content in remaining in a babyface role.