CM Punk got a long reign and some top feuds but he didn't really headline shyt unless it involved some Cena match or when he faced off with Rock two months str8. He was the popular face champion for 7 months of his run that was having Johnny L vs Cena as the main events
I said he was pushed as a top guy, not as THE top guy.
either way, neither got depushed. If Dolph had one fourth of either of their mic work and could work a crowd and had his name being chanted like Daniel Bryan after he initially got "fired," I doubt he'd still be where he is. Simply put, he's not good enough for the higher ups to give him a pass. You can't make slick remarks when you're expandable.
It's time for a gimmick change. While he's at it, a different signature move, improv classes, attitude check, some weights, the showers and a clue will do wonders for him.