Does WWE really need writers anymore?

Before I go further, I offer exhibit A of why WWE needs to actually stop having failed Hollywood writers (not including actor Freddie Prinze, Jr.) write their television programs. On Monday Night Raw on June 27, CM Punk (real name: Phil Brooks) took us back to the good old days, when wrestlers actually cut their promos on the spot, and didn't need some shlep who knew nothing about the business putting words in their mouths......



In modern parlance, Punk went "off the grid" when he started ripping on the McMahon family. Triple H, trained by the late Hall of Famer Walter "Killer" Kowalski, might actually appreciate Punk's promo better than anyone realizes. WWE Chairman/CEO Vince McMahon, often blasted in this space for being out of touch with reality as we know it, needed this as evidence that he no longer needs to micro-manage every aspect of his television programming. Unfortunately, knowing McMahon, he'll use this to put himself back on television for an extended period, taking time away from other, more deserving talents that are already starving for air space.

After the broadcast ended, Punk showed he could still have fun, and generated more heel heat by doing an a capella rendition of----wait for it---"Chicago", a tune about his hometown made famous by one Frank Sinatra. If he's leaving after the July 17 Money in the Bank PPV, he's going out in a blaze of glory, but to be honest with you, I don't think he's going anywhere.

The whole scenario recalls the infamous 1997 Survivor Series screwjob between Bret Hart & Shawn Michaels. Michaels was a guest Monday, promoting his new Outdoor Channel reality show. The way I'm picturing it now, this could be the catalyst for the much-rumored heel turn for champion John Cena, who would be rebooted as the corporate champ that most of his detractors already perceive him to be. He would be Michaels to Punk's Hart, not the other way around.

15 years ago, Hulk Hogan turned his back on his legions of fans to freshen his career. He's still trading on that angle today in TNA. John Cena, and, for that matter, CM Punk, have infinitely more talent than Hogan ever did (Cena could rap Hogan under the table, that much is obvious), and can make this work to the point where the debate over match or angle of the year would end right then and there in Chicago.

The last thing anyone needs is Vince McMahon screwing this up, and you know, he may just do that, because he can, and he shouldn't.