Opinion: How Does CM Punk’s Loss at UFC 203 Affect WWE?

Over the weekend, CM Punk lost his MMA debut at UFC 203 to Mickey Gall in a lopsided first fight. Punk’s reaction was an intense combination of happiness for accomplishing his goal, but bitter disappointment.

The public’s reaction has been mixed. A lot of people are using the “I told you so” card while others are showing a lot of respect for him having the guts to fight in The Octagon in the first place.

Personally, I’m proud of the guy. He took on an insane challenge, accomplished it, and now he just needs to set another goal. It was a learning experience, but my concern is placed on how it impacts wrestling.

On one hand, you could say that it doesn’t because MMA and wrestling are two different things. However, the comparison continues to get drawn between the two and Punk’s performance at UFC 203 is a big deal.

In the past few months, both Punk and Brock Lesnar have fought in The Octagon. Lesnar won, but the drug tests have tarnished that situation and Punk didn’t make it past the first round.

The fact is that in the eyes of sports entertainment, wrestling just got knocked down after trying to make some noise in UFC. Obviously, Punk is no longer associated with WWE or the business, but his career was, so it naturally followed him in The Octagon, which is now being used against him after losing.

After this weekend’s events, wrestling’s perception hasn’t changed. The issue hasn’t been put to bed, but it’ll be awhile before its brought up again. Wrestling doesn’t need the approval of UFC or the “real” sports world, but it would be great to get some more respect for the industry.

Do you think Punk should get another fight in UFC?