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Phillip Jack Brooks, better known to the world as CM Punk, is without a shadow of a doubt one of the greatest personalities to ever enter a wrestling ring.
Hardcore wrestling fans appreciate Punk's technical acumen and stiff strikes, while the more casual fans enjoy his work on the microphone. He is the rare talent that is over with nearly all aspects of the wrestling audience.
Punk began his career in an unlikely fashion; Backyard wrestling. He eventually transitioned to true pro wrestling when his backyard promotion collapsed due to embezzlement by Punk's own brother.
Trained in the Minnesota wrecking crew style of old-school grit and modern techniques, Punk quickly stood out from his peers and became a sought-after talent. After reigning as ROH champion and having classic matches with the likes of Samoa Joe, Punk ended up working for the WWE.
Punk initially debuted on the ECW brand and carried that promotion for most of its existence. After transitioning to the main roster he quickly ascended the ranks and became world champion. Feuds with John Cena, the Undertaker, and Triple H continued to cement his marquee status.
Then Punk became dissatisfied with his role in the company, and blamed WWE doctors for misdiagnosing an injury he'd suffered. Despite the fans being loudly appreciative of his talents, WWE did little to keep him under contract.
To this day, there are chants for his return at WWE events around the world. But how likely is that to happen? Here are five reasons CM Punk might return and five he's done with WWE forever.
Might Return: WWE is emphasizing talent over size
For the longest time, WWE sought out only those wrestlers at least six foot two and at least two hundred fifty pounds. Exceptions to this rule were rare and usually involved talent that was already established elsewhere.
These days, however, there are a plethora of smaller, faster wrestlers making a huge impact in WWE; AJ Styles, Shinsuke Nakamura, and Dolph Ziggler for example.
CM Punk has never been the biggest man in the ring, but he's always had the biggest heart. A new emphasis on talent over size would serve him well if he chose to return.
Done Forever: Accumulated Injuries over a long career
Punk started his career nearly twenty years ago, and for much of that time, he competed at an insanely physical level. Numerous sixty minute draws against the brutally stiff Samoa Joe, among others, as well as long-term wear and tear have taken a toll on his body.
Punk has had several surgeries and nagging wounds that would only be exacerbated by a return to full-time wrestling.
Might Return: Unfinished business with Brock Lesnar
The last time Punk faced Brock Lesnar, it didn't end well for the Straight Edge Superstar.
A match between The Beast Incarnate and Punk would have dream match written all over it. Punk could slip into a role where he returns to the company and is the man who finally defeats Lesnar, and the fans would go absolutely wild.
Done Forever: Burned Bridges
CM Punk is known for his outspokenness and unvarnished opinions. However, that tendency has landed him in hot water with WWE before.
It is no secret that Punk has butted heads with WWE management before over creative direction of his character. He has also been quite vocal about his critiques of their medical staff, which even resulted in Punk being sued by a WWE doctor for defamation.
CM Punk may have burned too many bridges with WWE to hope for a new contract if he even wished for one.
Might Return: WWE now employs part-time talent
For a long time, the main requirement to be a WWE superstar was a willingness to treat performing for the company not just as a job, but as a lifestyle.
Wrestlers were expected to be on the road over 300 days every year, and miss out on things like children's birthdays and graduations. Those who complained about the rigorous road schedule were either ridiculed or even pushed down the card.
Fast forward to 2018, and things have changed somewhat. WWE now has several stars under part-time contracts, such as Brock Lesnar. With the brand split, they also allow the talent more time to spend at home.
For the aging and injured Punk, such a part-time arrangement might benefit all parties concerned. WWE could get a marquee star for special matches and PPVs, and Punk could get a contract that didn't wear him down and still allowed time to spend at home.
Done Forever: Heat with Triple H
While most fans are aware that CM Punk and Triple H had their differences in the wrestling ring as a performance, most aren't aware that their feud carried into the backstage area.
Punk believed that he was worthy of being 'The Guy' who carried the company, while Triple H was more invested in established talent like John Cena and Randy Orton. Several verbal disagreements grew quite heated, and while violence was never involved some quite hurtful things were said by both sides.
With Triple H the heir apparent to the WWE empire and the number two man in the company, Punk might not be able to get back in.
Might Return: His MMA career isn't going well
While there has been a great deal of interest in CM Punk's first UFC fight, since his quick defeat by Mickey Gall that interest has largely faded.
Brock Lesnar and Bobby Lashley were able to successfully transition to MMA careers, but they were also able to win. Unless Punk decisively defeats his next opponent he will likely not be offered another chance to fight in the octagon.
Punk may soon be left with few career options to choose from, making a return to wrestling more likely.
Done Forever: Disillusionment with the wrestling business
After sixteen years of selling his body and his good health, sometimes for less than a hundred dollars a night, CM Punk might just be tired of the whole wrestling game.
From the long time spent on the road to the restrictions put on his other pursuits by management, Punk has become somewhat disillusioned with the business. There is a concept called 'too much of a good thing,' and CM Punk has claimed to have reached that point.
Might Return: Lucrative opportunity
Despite the fact that Punk is not well liked by WWE management, they have always been quick to cash in on his popularity.
With wrestlers such as Brock Lesnar and Chris Jericho working for major companies in part-time yet very lucrative capacities, Punk could make a good deal of money without having to work a full-time schedule.
A return match featuring CM Punk would definitely generate interest for WWE, and would be a nice payday for Punk.
Done Forever: He was fired on his wedding day
During one of his many spats with WWE management, CM Punk ended up serving a two-month suspension. When the suspension was over, he was not contacted by WWE management until he sought royalty payments he believed were owed to him.
The company ended up mailing his termination papers, and those termination papers landed right on his wedding day to former Divas champion AJ Lee.
Punk has been quite bitter about WWE's timing, and has said this was truly the thing that made him foreswear working for the company ever again.
