CM Punk's Injury Caused Change For WWE RAW Plans This Week
CM Punk's WrestleMania dream is not happening this year. Sadly, the Second City Savior suffered an injury during the Royal Rumble match and that called for a big change in plans for him. Consequently, WWE also had to make some alterations for RAW this week.
There's ongoing discussion surrounding CM Punk's triceps injury and its impact on the WWE Royal Rumble event. Fans have speculated that Punk was initially slated to win the Royal Rumble, but due to his injury, a change in plans occurred. However, according to Sean Ross Sapp on Fightful Select, this theory is incorrect, because Cody was always set to win.
The creative direction on WWE Raw saw adjustments from the original plan outlined on Saturday night at the Royal Rumble, directly influenced by CM Punk's injury. As a result of Punk's situation, the segment involving Seth Rollins and Cody was added to the storyline.
"The creative on WWE Raw adjusted from what was planned as of Saturday night at the WWE Royal Rumble. We're told that is directly tied to CM Punk's injury, and that the Seth Rollins/Cody segment was added as a result of Punk's injury."
The report also noted that Cody Rhodes saw significant success in merchandise sales over the weekend. Internal memos revealed that he was the top-selling Superstar at the WWE Superstore and Tropicana Field. Additionally, the "Rumble Winner" shirt featuring Cody Rhodes was the highest-selling item on WWE Shop.
We will have to see what is next for CM Punk, but he will be off WWE television for a while. In the meantime, it appears that he is wishing the American Nightmare well, as indication from the backstage video that WWE released of the two at RAW.
Triple H and other higher-ups met on the night of the Royal Rumble to discuss the new WrestleMania card. They also had a conference call the next day, where it is believed that they figure out a new card. As of this writing, talent and the creative team have not been given that new card yet.
