WWE News Dot Net Exclusive notes: C.M. Punk's title reign, how it's similar to Bret Hart's first run with the World Title By Jason Powell Jul 3, 2008 - 09:47 AM Email This Article | Printer Friendly Page Send Us News & Results | Back to Main Listing -The unanimous opinion of Dot Net sources is that C.M. Punk's title reign won't be a long one. The feeling is that Vince McMahon wanted to shake things up in a big way and still does. One source noted that nothing in WWE should be considered a long-term move at the moment because of Vince's mindset. However, multiple sources agreed that Punk's title reign is reminiscent of Bret Hart's title reign back in 1992 when he defeated Ric Flair for the WWF Title. The feeling at the time was that Hart would be a short term, transitional champion. However, he won people over quickly, and there is optimism that Punk could do the same. Powell's POV: I'm less concerned with the length of Punk's title reign than I am whether he's significantly elevated by the end of his reign. As I've stated before, I don't mind if they give him flukey wins to start with, but he they must position him in ways that he will help him gain credibility at some point before the end of his run. The worst thing that could happen is that Punk is remembered as a mid-card guy who won the title on a fluke and can't really hang with the main eventers. Dot Net members received the first look at this news on Wednesday morning and are currently reading a hilarious Mike Adamle story. They are also listening to the Member Exclusive one-on-one interview I conducted with Brock Lesnar last week. For $5 membership information, visit the Dot Net Members' Signup Page. News Usage Policy HELP SUPPORT DOT NET! BECOME A MEMBER AT OUR CHARTER RATE OF JUST $5 A MONTH - GET THE FIRST LOOK AT EXCLUSIVE INSIDER DOT NET NEWS, TONS OF EXCLUSIVE AUDIO SHOWS, MESSAGE BOARD ACCESS, START YOUR OWN BLOG, AD-FREE MAIN LISTING: SIGN ME UP (or MORE INFO) GOT AN IPHONE OR IPOD TOUCH? THEN BE SURE TO DOWNLOAD OUR NEW FREE iPhone APP: (click here!) (or SEARCH "pro wrestling" in iTunes App Store) FOR MORE BREAKING WWE & TNA NEWS AND COMMENTARY, VISIT OUR AFFILIATE PWTORCH.COM (click here!) FOR MORE MMA & UFC NEWS AND COMMENTARY, VISIT OUR AFFILIATE MMATORCH.COM (click here!) CLICK TO RETURN TO DOT NET MAIN LISTING OR SELECT A LINK BELOW FROM THIS CATEGORY WWE News Latest Twelve Articles Jim Ross shoots down talk that he's targeting WrestleMania 26 for his return, comments on his current contractual status with WWE Shore's WWE Superstars Hitlist: Shelton Benjamin vs. Zack Ryder, Eric Escobar (w/Vickie Guerrero) vs. Jimmy Wang Yang, and Mark Henry vs. Cody Rhodes 11/20 WWE Smackdown preview: The complete lineup for tonight's show headlined by Undertaker and Kane vs. Chris Jericho and Big Show, plus a hot Intercontinental Title match (no spoilers) 11/20 WWE Smackdown spoilers: Full results of the show that airs tonight with John Morrison defending the Intercontinental Title against Dolph Ziggler in a best of three falls match (spoilers) Where Are They Now: Former WWE wrestler Duke "The Dumpster" Droese WWE "ECW on Syfy" rating: How did the return of C.M. Punk to the Tuesday night show perform in the ratings?