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He's a celebrated wrestler, an MMA competitor, and he's known to drop verbal 'pipe bombs' on the unsuspecting.
He's CM Punk, a man who seems swathed in controversy almost constantly. Whether it's his surprising career moves, his social media rants, or his insistence that he is the best in the world, CM Punk certainly keeps the attention focused on him.
Punk recently began an MMA career--or tried to. His second straight loss against an opponent many consider a mediocre fighter at best has fans questioning if this is the right arena for him to compete in. Is a return to pro wrestling in order?
Here are five reasons why he should return to wrestling, and five he should just pack it in.
Should Return: MMA hasn't panned out for him
Let's deal with the Elephant in the room first; CM Punk is 0-2 in his MMA career, and Dana White picked the lightest competition for him possible in the second bout. An MMA career just isn't in the cards for Punk, given his age and lack of combat sports experience.
On the other hand, he could still have a good three to five year run in pro wrestling, or longer if he decides to become a part-timer like Lesnar or Undertaker. The money is still there to be made in wrestling, if Punk is willing.
Shouldn't Return: He doesn't need the money
CM Punk pocketed half a million for his first UFC fight, and at least that much for his second. He has also spent his money earned during his wrestling career wisely.
In short, why should he return to wrestling when he is financially secure? His legacy in wrestling is fantastic, the envy of many of his peers, and he still has his health. Why risk it for another payday?
Should return: The fans still love him
Even after his one-sided losses in the UFC, the fans still started up a raucous CM PUNK chant. This is quite rare for a fighter who just lost cleanly the second time in a row, and speaks volumes to Punk's charisma and popularity.
Frequently, CM PUNK chants are heard in WWE arenas, much to the chagrin of management. The fans are still there waiting for him to return.
Shouldn't return: He might not be done in the UFC
Despite what Dana White said, CM Punk might not be done fighting for the UFC.
While White may have stated that CM Punk should probably not fight in the UFC again, the fact of the matter is PPV cards featuring the former wrestling star have nearly double the buyrate of other UFC events.
In short, Dana White may speak loudly, but money speaks louder. If the UFC thinks they can make money off of Punk, they may just give him another shot after all.
Should Return: A feud with COO Triple H would generate tremendous heat
CM Punk has frequently been bitter about the waning days of his WWE career on social media and interviews, but the fact of the matter is he and Triple H have good chemistry in the ring.
Blurring the lines between reality and the script seems to be the flavor of the month in pro wrestling these days, and there's no better way to do that than by using the real-life animosity between Punk and the WWE in an angle. Fans love wrestlers who stand up to authority figures, ala Stone Cold and Dean Ambrose, ensuring Punk fantastic support beyond what he already enjoys from the WWE universe.
Shouldn't return: Even if he can't fight in the UFC, he can still compete in MMA elsewhere
While UFC may be the most successful MMA promotion on the planet, it is by no means the only one.
Punk could possibly end up for UFC rival Bellator, or fight overseas places like the Rizin federation. Just because Dana White isn't pleased with him doesn't mean his MMA career is DOA.
Should Return: The WWE needs him
For the first time in history, a particular chant rang out during the main event of a Wrestlemania:
This is awful.
Clearly, the men at the top of the mountain on Raw---Lesnar and Reigns--don't enjoy the popularity of CM Punk. The WWE needs someone to be the face that runs the place, and who better than the cult of personality himself?
Shouldn't return: He's burned too many bridges
CM Punk's mouth is simultaneously his greatest asset and curse; It helps him sell tickets and buyrates at both MMA and wrestling, but it also lands him in hot water with former friends and allies.
Punk's somewhat petulant criticisms of his former peers have led to some bitterness. Even if WWE were to offer him a contract, he could be facing a hostile work environment.
Should Return: He really is the best at what he does
When it comes to the total package of what it takes to be a great pro wrestler, CM Punk checks all the boxes.
Athletic? Check. Great conditioning? Also check. Mike skills? Double check.
And the fans don't chant about how awful his matches are or how much he sucks.
CM Punk is the near perfect professional wrestler, appealing to both male and female fans and children. He has the tools to continue to be a top draw in any wrestling promotion he chooses to reside in.
Shouldn't Return: His MMA losses have hurt his credibility
When CM Punk debuted, he claimed to be a 'master' of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, and Kempo Karate.
In truth, CM Punk just recently earned his BJJ blue belt and his rankings in other martial arts styles are unconfirmed. Losing, and badly, in two straight fights has severely damaged his credibility.
Do you think CM Punk should return to a pro wrestling career? Please comment below.
