Sierra, Hotel, India, Echo, Lima, Delta...
Shield. Those words were plastered all over WWE programming as 2012 ended, but things could've been very different for the core group. CM Punk's own ideas for the faction probably wouldn't have derailed future main event stardom, but it would've robbed The Shield of a key component and led to less interest from those in the office.
Punk was fighting little battles with Vince McMahon and Triple H all over the place that year. Things wouldn't come to a head until early-2014, but signs were there that an explosion was coming. The Rock's latest comeback and McMahon focusing on building other fledgling stars Punk didn't see eye-to-eye with certainly wouldn't have helped keep the WWE Champ sane.
2012 saw WWE broker deals with TNA after arrogantly ploughing ahead with plans for wrestlers they didn't even have under contract. Elsewhere, The Undertaker was encouraging undercard workers to literally fall flat on their faces so they wouldn't be humiliated by company creative any longer. Add in weird pitches for Daniel Bryan, controversial celebrity moments and more.
Enjoy reliving the year and maybe finding out some facts you didn't know before! 10. Vince McMahon Nixed CM Punk In UFC CM Punk would've had some schedule over Royal Rumble 2012 weekend had things gone his way. He was earmarked to walk Chael Sonnen down the aisle for his UFC fight with Michael Bisping in Chicago on the Saturday night, but that show fell a mere 24 hours before the Rum.