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Photos courtesy of WWE
By James Viscardi with Ben Morse
This Sunday, April 1, beginning at 7:00 PM EST on pay-per-view, WWE presents the pinnacle of its year when WrestleMania XXVIII brings the world’s greatest gladiators together for the Showcase of the Immortals. Three days later on Wednesday, April 4, the two most powerful factions in the Marvel Universe kick off a war of their own as AVENGERS VS. X-MEN #1 hits stands and the Marvel Comics app.
To get set for both of these monumental collisions, we got some of WWE’s biggest Superstars and Fightin’ Fanboys to comment on their dates with destiny at WrestleMania as well as what they see coming to pass in AvX.
Up first, WWE Champion CM Punk, who will put his title on the line against Chris Jericho coming up Sunday, spoke up about his impending match, WrestleMania memories, belief in Captain America, plus much more, including his kinship to Tony Stark.
Marvel.com: With WrestleMania almost here, how are you feeling about the event?
CM Punk: You know, it’s the biggest show of the year for us, and with that, it’s packaged with all the hype [and] publicity that one would come to expect with an event like WrestleMania. Part of me is anxious to get it over with. But then there’s that part of me who is super excited to get in the ring and preform for all the fans [that] have been supporting me. I’ve done a few of these now, but this by far is my biggest one.
Marvel.com: If your WrestleMania match with Chris Jericho were a Marvel comic, how would you write it to play out?
CM Punk: Man, I don’t know. It’s me versus Chris Jericho, a legend in the business—I don’t think it could be contained in anything less than a 12-part series. I mean maybe something a bit smaller, but it would definitely need to have a giant-sized kick off and finale. But I can tell you what, the last panel has him taking a nap, me counting my money and surrounded by ladies. The end.
Marvel.com: What is your favorite WrestleMania match or moment of all-time?
CM Punk: WrestleMania 13, right in my backyard of Chicago. Bret “The Hitman” Hart vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin. I can remember every punch thrown, every bodyslam and every submission move. It’s just one of those perfect matches that told a story. There’s just so many to choose from, but this match is the one that sticks out the most.
Marvel.com: Which team are you supporting in Avengers Vs. X-Men? Why do you think they will win?
CM Punk: I’ve never been the biggest fan of mutants. They’re pretty damn powerful, y’know? But seriously, when you have Captain America, Thor and Iron Man together as a team, there’s no threat they can’t handle. In this super hero war, I’m with the Avengers
Marvel.com: Who do you think will win if Captain America battles Cyclops?
CM Punk: Captain America. Hands down. Nobody in the Marvel Universe has the experience he has, and he can definitely outwit, outsmart and outlast Cyke.
Marvel.com: Who do you think will win if Storm battles Thor?
CM Punk: No contest: Thor. I mean, the guy is a god—how do you take someone like him down? Don’t get me wrong, Storm is one hell of a warrior, but Thor has taken on Ragnarok head on!
Marvel.com: Which side do you think Wolverine will choose? Which one should he choose?
CM Punk: Ah, right; this is the tricky one. Personally, I think Wolverine is an X-Man through and through. Regardless of his differences with Cyclops, the guy grew up with the team, respects Xavier, and cares for the well-being and preservation of mutantkind. When it finally comes time to make a decision, I think he’s going home.
Marvel.com: Which X-Man or Avenger do you consider yourself most like?
CM Punk: Tony Stark—without the alcohol, obviously. The guy has all the coolest toys in the toy-box.
Marvel.com: Let’s say Tony Stark were to come out during your match at WrestleMania, what music would he come out to?
CM Punk: [Frank] Sinatra; not the most exciting entrance, but that’s the kind of guy I think Tony is. Suave, sophisticated and obviously would have been a part of the Rat Pack.
Get set for WrestleMania XXVIII this Sunday, April 1, at 7 PM EST! For more information, visit WWE.com, where you can also catch the live WrestleMania Press Conference beginning at 2:30 PM EST on Wednesday, March 28 as well as the live WrestleMania Pre-Show at 6:30 PM EST on Sunday. You can also view these events on WWE’s YouTube Channel. You can also follow the Dueling Diary between CM Punk and Chris Jericho beginning today!
And don’t forget to pick up AVENGERS VS. X-MEN #1 in stores and on the Marvel Comics app Wednesday, April 4!
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