CM Punk recently opened up about the creative process behind his memorable “Doctor of Pankanomics” freestyle rap promo aimed at John Cena on the June 27 episode of WWE SmackDown. In an interview with ComicBook.com, Punk shared that he chose to deliver a freestyle rap called “Zag” instead of repeating his iconic “pipe bomb” promo, as he wanted to avoid doing a sequel to something so legendary and expected by fans.
Punk explained that the idea stemmed from not wanting to recreate the pipe bomb, which had become a moment many tried to replicate over the past 14 years. He mentioned that everyone anticipated a similar performance, but he wanted to bring something fresh. To prepare, Punk enlisted help from friends skilled in battle rap, including Jensen Carp, a battle rap expert, and another friend named Ron, who helped shape the delivery and content.
Reflecting on the promo, Punk said that the combination of his delivery, the lyrics, his look, and the overall atmosphere made it a memorable moment. This promo marked a significant confrontation between two wrestling legends, John Cena and CM Punk, both of whom have since returned to the spotlight on their respective brands. Punk is currently the top contender for Raw’s Gunther’s World Heavyweight Championship, while Cena, the reigning WWE Champion, is expected to engage in a storyline with SummerSlam challenger Cody Rhodes on the next SmackDown.
Fan Take: This insight into Punk’s creative process highlights his commitment to innovation rather than relying on past successes, which keeps WWE storytelling fresh and unpredictable. For WWE fans, it signals that the sport is evolving with its performers pushing boundaries creatively, promising thrilling moments and rivalries ahead.
