Wrestling fandom is diverse and not uniform. Many fans who cherish their memories of WWE in 2012 still hold a fondness for the brand. However, one prominent takeaway from this year is CM Punk’s role as WWE Champion. While much attention is often given to the negatives of Punk’s reign, it’s crucial to remember that the surrounding events were largely lackluster.
It’s unnecessary to watch the entire show to grasp this—just a quick glance at the Wikipedia page will suffice. The matches featuring Alberto del Rio, Zack Ryder, and Layla against Eve Torres, along with support from ringside figures like David Otunga and Vickie Guerrero, illustrate the uninspiring nature of this period. The pre-show Battle Royal boasted names such as Michael McGillicutty, Heath Slater, and others, reflecting a roster that felt stagnant by September 2012. Fans were yearning for something fresh, having been exposed for months to a static lineup.
Having covered numerous retrospectives since the late ’90s and mid-2000s, I’ve found myself sidestepping this awkward WWE phase since 2014. While the Night of Champions featured a notable match between Punk and John Cena, it also underscored just how sparse the roster was prior to the much-needed refresh that began in 2013. Kofi Kingston was teaming with R-Truth before the formation of The New Day, Daniel Bryan was starting a tag team with Kane instead of pursuing a world title, and NXT talent like Sami Zayn was still nonexistent in WWE. The departure of stars like Mistico, Rey Mysterio, and Cody Rhodes in the following years, coupled with the state of the women’s division, only highlighted the need for urgent changes that fans were all too aware of.
Fan Take: This retrospective on WWE’s struggles in 2012 highlights the importance of roster evolution in professional wrestling. Understanding these lows can deepen fans’ appreciation for the growth and revitalization the sport has undergone in recent years.
