CM Punk Not Likely to Re-Sign with WWE; Glorious Opportunity for TNA?

[It's Damn Real!]

According to two or three dirt sheet reports this morning, CM Punk's career with the WWE may be "coming to an end soon", as word is that PUnk has not-resigned a new deal and is being downplayed and written out of the story as a result.

The reports also indicate that Punk has stated that he's interested in taking time off.

The last time one of WWE's top superstars took time off, he ended up having lunch with Dixie Carter and Jeff Jarrett in Tampa, Florida not a year and a half later before eventually returning to WWE. That man was Chris Jericho, who was heavily recruited the entire time he was out.

Question is, would the same apply with CM Punk? He worked with TNA briefly during 2004, but left when TNA officials instituted one of the first (of many) bans on their talent being able to compete in ROH as well as TNA. He is also, according to these reports, tired of not being pushed in the same class as the other "big names" in the company. Could that change in TNA?

Punk is a certifiable superstar and a world-class talent with major recognition due to his run in WWE, but he also comes with a ton of baggage, namely the heat he tends to generate backstage and in the locker room. I have my reservations, but he's worth the phone call at the very least IMO.

Thoughts?

 

[AntiChristDeicide]

According to two or three dirt sheet reports this morning, CM Punk's career with the WWE may be "coming to an end soon", as word is that PUnk has not-resigned a new deal and is being downplayed and written out of the story as a result.

The reports also indicate that Punk has stated that he's interested in taking time off.

The last time one of WWE's top superstars took time off, he ended up having lunch with Dixie Carter and Jeff Jarrett in Tampa, Florida not a year and a half later before eventually returning to WWE. That man was Chris Jericho, who was heavily recruited the entire time he was out.

Question is, would the same apply with CM Punk? He worked with TNA briefly during 2004, but left when TNA officials instituted one of the first (of many) bans on their talent being able to compete in ROH as well as TNA.

Punk is a certifiable superstar and a world-class talent with major recognition due to his run in WWE, but he also comes with a ton of baggage, namely the heat he tends to generate backstage and in the locker room.

I have my reservations, but he's worth the phone call at the very least IMO.

Thoughts?

If the dirtsheets are true (wich is rarely the case), TNA should bring him back if possible. He is a good athelete, got tons of charisma and on the + sign he wont get them in trouble (execept if he clashes with creative) because he is straight-edge. The only problem i see with him if he would come in, is that people would bitch that he is another former WWE talent coming in (wich is f'n stupid because he was in TNA before).

 

[It's Damn Real!]

Him being from WWE is irrelevant, as where talent comes from simply does not matter. Talent is talent, regardless of whether it's grown in TNA, WWE, WCW, ECW, New Japan, All Japan, some guy's backyard wrestling "company" or whether they were found in a Mexican prison.

None of it matters. All that matters is how the talent is used.

That said, Punk, as I noted, is a worldwide talent that'd be hard to pass up on the opportunity of bringing in, especially with Hardy now shelved indefinitely. Yes, they could simply push from within, but getting the opportunity to work a lighter schedule may be extremely enticing to him, as those reports also indicate he's somewhat burnt out as he's been something of an ironman for the company.

 

[jluu]

I seriously doubt that punk is gonna go to TNA.

Why you ask?

1) TNA is going nowhere; their story line make no sense, they aren't pushing new wrestlers into the main event, their dropping the ball every 5 seconds these days.

2) They have the Hardy Boyz. Jeff Hardy and CM Punk do not get along as jeff is a total druggy and CM Punk is straight edge. Matt Hardy is still bitching about Lita and CM Punk dated her so Matt Hardy got issues with him too. And plus remeber the video those two morons posted.

3) CM Punk is just to smart to go to TNA, if anything hes goin to ROH.

 

[xGotTheEdgex]

I would absolutely love for Punk to not re-sign with the WWE and sign with TNA. The only reason I even watch WWE anymore is because of Punk. He is excellent in the ring, excellent on the mic, has a ton of charisma, and because he is straight edge, has a character that he can easily make you love or hate. He would be a big asset for TNA. He is being held back in WWE, and it's probably still because of the time he pissed off 'Taker in the back.

Unfortunately, I doubt the dirt sheets are true...I'm sure he will re-sign with WWE shortly, or shortly after his contract is up.

 

[neildittmar]

Although the rags tend to get it wrong (or at least, extremely inaccurate) more than they do right, I for one am hoping that this is the exception.

CM Punks work in WWE has been standout, but this is a credit to the performer more than it is the creative department. I can't help but think that CM Punk wants to do more... be more, but the atmosphere (read: PG Rating) of the WWE is holding him back. A "looser" stage like TNA may give Punk the environment to take his character to an entirely new level.

If WWE really is losing Punk, they need to court him heavily to make sure he'll come back once he has concluded taking his "time off." If not, Dixie Carter, Hulk Hogan, Eric Bischoff, et. al should be contacting Punk immediately if they have not done so already. Yes, he's that good and an extremely huge asset to any company that has him.

 

[daletango]

If you didnt know, Punk doesnt like Hogan at all and was bashing him on twitter over the Graziano car crash situation not that long ago.

If he wants "time off" why would he go immediately to another wrestling company to work? Wheres the logic?

 

[Chess]

Sorry but I just don't believe this for a second. CM Punk and his agent are simply trying to increase his stock with WWE by threatening time off and mentioning his disappointment at his status in WWE.

As much as I would LOVE Punk to join TNA it is just not going to happen. Punk just wants a bigger pay packet, more time off and a better spot. At the end of the day everyone knows (including WWE) that Punk is one of the best if not the best talent in wrestling at the moment and Punk is doing his best at playing hardball to get the deal he wants.

I also do not think TNA has the finances or pull to bring in any top WWE Superstar ay the moment, that is unless they break the wellness policy or get punished by the WWE.

 

[MaxPlastic]

Punk worked for NWA TNA, not this Hogan/Bischoff trainwreck, and he worked for them as a part of ROH. I don't know the man, but I feel like he's too smart to sign with TNA. Sure, they have a lighter work schedule, but they aren't going ANYWHERE, and he'll just be another wasted talent wallowing around in Sting, Angle, and Jeff Jarret's leftover minutes

 

[Dagger Dias]

The thought of CM Punk in TNA at this point is quite an interesting one. He would surely get a better push there than he is in WWE as quite possibly their top heel if he gets to play a character similar to his current heel self. I think Punk would get pushed straight to the top, to where Hardy was meant to be, because he is a great heel and connects with the crowd so well. It would be good for Punk and good for TNA. It's worth looking into for them.

 

[MrGrizz]

Vince will do everything he can to keep Punk. Unfortuantly i do not see him going anywhere.

 

[krazyd]

first off TNA is a mess i feel like they never really know where they r going with storylines pushes and the general direction of the company. CM Punk isnt being wasted on RAW hes a top heel although after the draft he may not be which is a shame..I still think the WWE is behind him

I always liked him as a face and think he could turn face again and trully believe thats what the company needs...esp with the whole steroid and other drug use slash negative stereotypes that the WWE has..(theyre rebranding to distance themselves with it) they NEED to push CM Punk..hes STRAIGHT EDGE pretty good role model if u ask me! but if he does take time off which he deserves to...I think the WWE will do the right thing and bring him back when hes ready

 

[Trance Metaphor]

CM Punk is larger than TNA. Those days of CM Punk and Julio Dinero playing Raven's lackeys are over. He's won the World Heavyweight Championship in the biggest wrestling promotion in the world. How big of a step down would it be for him to return to TNA at this point or in the near future? The only problem I have right now with his status in the WWE is that CM Punk isn't winning a single one-on-one match against Randy Orton. It weakens his 'master mind' gimmick and the new Nexus every time they get screen time. I'm still waiting for CM Punk to win the WWE Championship if that'll ever happen.

 

[Coco]

This wouldn't shock me. Nothing would shock me with Punk. He really strikes me as the kind of guy who would like to ply his craft in different environments and craft a more well-rounded body of work rather than stay in the WWE and flounder. As I've been saying for a while now, he's his own man and the WWE's prestige and money, nice as is it is, won't make this particular man eat shit forever. Do I think he's done with the WWE for good? Absolutely not. But six months in TNA while he heals up and gets to be a prominent star every other week while reconnecting with old friends? I'm sure that's appealing to him. And Punk vs. Joe is appealing to me as a smarkity smark.

My question here is the following: Why TNA? If money and the prestige of prime time television aren't the end all for Punk as I believe they aren't, what makes TNA more appealing than sporadic appearances in Japan or major indies? Let's pretend I'm CM Punk. Sell me on this over that.

 

[fenfool]

I don't think he will ever wrestle for TNA, but if his contract does expire, they should be throwing Hogan-Bischoff money at him as soon as possible. Give him creative control, whatever he needs. But I don't really see that happening...he may take some time off, but he'll be back in WWE soon enough, I would guess. He does still have ties to ROH, so you never know, he may make some indie appearances, now that he likely doesn't need the money and can just do what he wants when he wants.

 

[stmarks2002]

Punk is an exceptional talent and gem in the industry. I've read the reports as well and wasn't too pleased about it. Time off could be exactly what he needs so that the E can see how valuable he really is. He puts on GREAT matches and cuts EXCELLENT promos; that cant be said about the other "top" stars. I dont think he would go to TNA because that would be a giant waste of time and a serious let down for him. He'll take some time off and return at Rumble or any of the other big ppv's. Lets just see what happens....

 

[MizMark11]

Punk and the Hardys hate each other. Why would he go to a company where they work? It'd just lead to more stupid shoots and everything. Punk should either take a break and then come back to WWE or just resign. He surely is over in WWE and he could be something if he has patience. He's close.

Plus TNA is going anywhere but up.

 

[Post]

If Punk becomes available, TNA should do whatever they can to obtain him. He is one of "those guys" that could take TNA to the next level.

But, I doubt this will happen. It sounds like hot air or possibly posturing on Punk's part. When push comes to shove, WWE will make it worth it to stay around. They will give him a shit ton of money, a more permanent position in the WWE/WHC title seen, and the ass-kissing that it seems he wants.

 

[Jay Sherman]

This seems like the perfect place for TNA's creative to showcase that it can drop the ball with anyone. I do not want to see this happen. I watch TNA 2 times a month maybe and thats just fast forwarding through it on my DVR. I like TNA ... kind of, don't get me wrong. I just think a new wrestler is not what TNA needs to move forward, and I want my beloved Punk in th WWE. Also doesn't that dumb drugie with the fat brother (whom also has expressed his dislike of punk) have big problems with Punk? Hell Punk called Kurt a "drunk douche" on his Twitter not to long ago. I pray this doesn't happen and I doubt it will. Seems like false reporting on a slow day. TNA just doesn't seem like a place Punk would want to go. Maybe it will happen. I still wont watch.

 

[Notorious718]

Bah. If this is true, then I guess his fate is sealed at Extreme Rules. He'll probably lose to Orton and maybe get punted in the skull. And if that doesn't happen, his New Nexus may turn on him and take him out. Who knows?

As for the dirt sheet itself, that's exactly what it is. A dirt sheet. Until anything is explicitly confirmed by Punk himself, I'm calling bullshit on this. That said, if this is true, TNA absolutely SHOULD do everything they can to sign him. IDR said it best: the fact that he would be a former WWE talent should be irrelevent. Talent is talent. Where said talent came from shouldn't matter but rather how the talent is used. I think Punk could very easily be TNA's top heel as I think he shows a great deal more personality and is far more interesting than any of TNA's current top heels in Immortal. Of course that's just how I feel personally. I think he could be a great asset to TNA. If he's really gonna be gone soon, then TNA should really look into him.

 

[Robi2184]

I seriously doubt the McMahons are that stupid to let the best all around talent in the Wrestling World today simply walk away. Punk is the IronMan of the WWE, he does not miss time and excels at everything he is given.
They will give him the push he deserves and is requesting and at the end of the day this will just be an after thought.

 

[brochester8]

I More see CM Punk taking time off and returning a few months later. Like Jericho was he was burnt out and I don't see him staying gone as long as Jericho was because he doesn't have other stuff going on. He is a top in in WWE and I'm sure he's making a lot of money. Why would he stoop to join TNA where much of the talent aren't getting paid or are owed money. I really don't see it happening, maybe just a little time off and return a face again.

 

[Rayne]

Not gonna happen. This is a contract leverage move.

CM Punk still needs the WWE promotional machine. He's (obviously) a much bigger name than he was when he started in the WWE, but he doesn't have the kind of fame yet as a Chris Jericho, where he could be as popular no matter where he performed. It would be similar to the RVD signing, where it seemed like a big deal at the time, he was given a good hard push, and no one really cared.

CM Punk also knows where the money is. TNA isn't passing the WWE anytime soon in terms of viewership. Unless they're making a drastic change in strategy, I don't see them dropping the kind of cash that would make one of the WWE's anointed jump ship. TNA isn't able to make someone a household name; there are no prospective Rocks, Austins, or Hogans on the TNA roster waiting to be built.

I find it hard to believe this is anything but a tactical move to pad his next contract.

 

[blkshp]

I do not see him going anywhere near TNA again anytime soon. Why? He worked for them once and he doesn't seem to be to fond of his time there. He and Hardy's don't get along, he bashed Hogan for being self centered (which definitely seems to be true)and they couldn't pay him like WWE could. So what could TNA possibly offer him other then a lighter schedule?

 

[Rampage Bentley]

CM Punk is at the top of his game, definitely still in his prime. Which means CM Punk won't jump ship. TNA is where the big careers go to die.

I agree with the peeps on here who say he's just padding his worth to the company. He's the best around right now and he deserves a better spot and he's leveraging to get it. The WWE would be stupid to not give it to him, and while the WWE is many things, stupid is not one of them.