In what has become a juggernaut of a story, former WWE Champion CM Punk has reportedly walked out of the WWE and went home, effectively quitting the company. Anyone who watched RAW this past Monday night noticed that “The Best in the World” was nowhere on the show, despite an impressive showing in the 30-Man Royal Rumble Match (where he entered the match at #1 and lasted until the final four before being eliminated by Kane). Apparently, Punk personally walked up to Vince McMahon backstage on Monday and told the Chairman that he was going home before doing just that as Punk hopped on a plane and flew home to Chicago. Reportedly, the reason behind Punk going home is Punk felt he deserved a main event spot at WrestleMania and that a part-time star like Batista should not be booked higher on the card than guys like himself, who work year-round for the company. In Punk’s infamous “pipebomb” promo in 2011, Punk cited The Rock as being one of the big reasons that he was leaving the company.
Now the big question accompanying this big story is, “Is this legit?” Given what happened in 2011 with CM Punk (who legitimately left the company in July with the WWE Title, but would re-sign with the company about a week later), the skepticism is very understandable. Has Punk really quit the WWE or is this all part of an elaborate storyline involving the former World Champion? What we do know is that Punk’s WWE contract is set to expire in July of this year and Punk has publicly stated (even before the walk-out) that he is unsure of his future with the company. Punk has always been outspoken about the company since he arrived in the WWE as Punk has always demanded to be treated fairly and, unlike so many other guys on the roster, Punk has never had a problem telling Vince McMahon or anyone else what he thinks. As a wrestler who has done very well for himself since making his WWE debut nearly eight years ago. Punk has created a reputation of being a “workhorse” in the WWE as Punk has worked harder than most during his career, often wrestling on pay-per-view and television throughout the week, as well as wrestling at live events. All that “overtime” work for the WWE has, no doubt, put Punk in a stable position, financially. In other words, the WWE needs Punk more than Punk needs the WWE right now. Punk has made it known throughout his wrestling career that he loves the business, but at the same time, he refuses to be disrespected.
As of this report, WWE.com has made no mention of CM Punk quitting and Punk’s profile still remains on their “Superstars” page. Punk was originally scheduled to face Triple H at WrestleMania, but Punk’s walkout forced WWE Creative to do an emergency re-write of the show and, as of now, it looks like Daniel Bryan will be getting pushed to face Triple H on April 6 in New Orleans.
Do you think that CM Punk is truly done with the WWE? Post your comments in the box below.
