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| photo courtesy: wwe.com |
The news comes after an inconspicuous absence from Raw this past Monday (Jan. 27), and it seems this is not a work from Punk and the WWE. Per PWMania.com (via Wrestling Observer, ProWrestling.net and PWInsider), this appears to be a legitimate decision from Punk, after he reportedly told Vince McMahon he was "going home":
"Word has come out that CM Punk has left WWE, according to several sources.CM Punk reportedly told Vince McMahon personally at Monday’s Raw that he was going home, and then got on a plane for Chicago. WWE.com has since removed Punk from all upcoming live events and house shows over the next few weeks including Monday Night Raw."If Punk has left the company, then it leaves a huge hole in the plans for WrestleMania 30. It also means the company is without one of their biggest draws, as Punk is a guy who can always get the crowd going.
There will be doubt, however, as to whether this is a serious storyline emerging from the company. There is no word on the official WWE site over Punk's decision to quit yet—but memories of a 2011 storyline he was involved with are immediately coming to the surface.
Punk told the WWE he was leaving with the WWE Championship after his contract expired at the Money in the Bank pay-per-view, and he returned a few weeks later with the belt—proving it all to be a work.
PWMania.com also goes on to report that the plans for Triple H vs. CM Punk look to be shelved—adding further weight to the suggestion Punk is indeed gone:
"As PWMania.com reported, Punk was scheduled to face Triple H at WrestleMania 30, but as seen on Monday’s Raw, early signs may have been shown that Triple H will be facing Daniel Bryan at WrestleMania instead."The report also continues to state the possible driving reasons behind Punk's decision to pack up and head home—with the feeling that part-time wrestlers are getting pushed instead of men who work 365 days a year with the company:
"In the past, Punk had been very vocal about “part-time” wrestlers returning to WWE and getting pushed ahead of guys who are there on a nightly basis, and that may be a reason for him being upset."Given how Punk's contract legitimately expires with the WWE this coming July, perhaps this could be the end of the road for him and the organization. It would be a crying shame if it did happen—he is still one of the biggest stars in the company, without a doubt.
Where does the company go without a guy of the stature of CM Punk? The likes of Brock Lesnar, Batista and The Undertaker could well be away from the company again following the conclusion of WrestleMania 30, which would still leave a gaping hole in the roster.
Wrestling fans will hope this is simply a work to try and create some tension and hype for the big event in April. However, at this moment in time, it looks to be no work.
source: bleacherreport.com
