CM Punk will come crawling back....

[d_henderson1810]

... to the WWE, with his tail between his legs, sooner or later.

There have been others more angry than C.M. Punk who vowed never to grace the halls of WWE again, and , years later, they come back, with their tail between their legs.

Bret Hart said that he would never appear in WWE again after SS '97, yet he came crawling back. Ultimate Warrior wanted nothing to do with WWE, after the first Warrior DVD, yet he came back recently, and is going into the HoF this year. Bruno Sammartino said that he wasn't going to go into the HoF, because he didn't like what Vince has done to the WWE (but obviously Bruno loves the money WWE threw him to get him back on board). Even celebrity Mr T, who turned down past requests to be in the HoF, will finally go in this year.
Mick Foley even left and went to TNA, because he didn't like the way Vince treated Jim Ross. Yet a Legends contract and HoF spot was enough to entice him back too.

"Stone Cold" Steve Austin walked out three times, upset with WWE, yet he came back again and again. The Rock, who has a career outside of WWE,and is the highest paid actor in Hollywood in 2013, still was attracted three WM paychecks.

Piper has kept coming back, so has Ric Flair. Most who said that they didn't want to work for Vince McMahon again usually do.

Even Punk himself tried to leave once before (after MITB 2011). Punk dropped a pipebomb on air, and was so dissatisfied with how the WWE treated him, he came back a month later.

Why does Punk think he can be any different? The fact is, Punk needs WWE as much as they need him, and he probably needs them moreso.

What's Punk going to do after he has stopped sulking? Who else can offer him the money and attention he craves?

Punk will be back, and maybe more sheepish and humbled, and it will be shown that he can't resist the pull of WWE.

If Vince McMahon is suppousedly such a bastard, then why does everyone want to work and keep coming back to work for him?

Because WWE are the only ones who can cater to the wrestler's ego, and offer them more money and more exposure than anyone else. If you had a choice between college basketball and the NBA, which would you take? Well, being in WWE is the wrestling equivalent of being in NBA, or major league baseball.

Punk is just another plaything of Vince. McMahon offers enough, and Punk will sell his soul and come back again. An egotist like C.M. Punk won't get the attention he craves from ROH.

Punk needs to realize that he needs WWE, and can't live without it. He'll be back, and Vince will win again.

 

[MMC]

If CM Punk has made enough money and is content, he won't come back. Even that alone isn't a guarantee that a wrestler won't come back. WWE is the biggest wrestling company in the world and the lure of money and fans adulation is hard to resist. Every wrestler wants to prove himself on the biggest platform available and that is WWE today. 99% of wrestlers in TNA/ROH would come and work in WWE if they were given a job. There have been exceptions though like Sting

 

[HBK89Bill]

Bullshit. The man left on his own terms and he deserves to be respected for that. Clearly he doesn't need the money and frankly it is not my business in the slightest. If Punk comes back at all it will be because he wants to be back. It really is that simply. I don't think the lure of more money or fame is going to effect someone who left right in the middle of a deal.

I think the only thing that would bring someone as stubborn as Punk back is to finish his in ring career on his own terms. Other than that, the man deserves his rest. Let's give it to him and stop chanting his name randomly, or making threads on the internet about what a bitch he is.

 

[Jack-Hammer]

While I do agree that Vince has become the most convenient scapegoat for disgruntled fans and wrestlers alike, that's not to say that he's a soft and cuddly bunny rabbit. Vince is a highly successful businessman and I'm sure he's stepped on more than a few necks to take WWE to where it's gone. I've read that Vince owns 57% of WWE's stock which, as of yesterday, closed at $30.91 per share with a total 75,147,600 shares. If accurate, then Vince owns 42,834,132 shares currently worth $1,323,574,670.80. You don't become that wealthy without being pretty cutthroat.

As for Punk, if he's genuinely been unhappy in WWE, then I don't see him coming back. The last I heard, his net worth was $7.5 million and that he isn't known to just throw money around. If that's true, then Punk's definitely set for life and doesn't have to wrestle anymore. Besides, Punk has stated for years that he didn't want to be one of these broken down veterans who stays in the business for much longer than they should out of a desire to remain in the spotlight or because they've blown their money. Hell, at 35 years old, maybe Punk's in a completely different place psychologically and emotionally than he was 5 years ago. For all anyone knows, maybe he'd like to start a family, pursue other business ventures or interests, maybe even wants to give Hollywood a shot, etc. Punk might be genuinely done with wrestling if reports are true that he's had some nagging injuries for the past few years, is both physically & mentally exhausted, is tired of WWE's intense schedule and is frustrated that he isn't getting what he wants.

While there's still the SLIGHTEST possibility that this is all part of some contract negotiation on Punk's part, as his current deal is set to expire around Money in the Bank, it's very doubtful. If reports are true that Stephanie and Triple H feel disrespected and considering that Punk has never really shown any true loyalty to WWE, it's highly unlikely he'd be welcome back to finish his career on his own terms. With Triple H, I can understand IF, as reports allege, that he feels disrespected with Punk not feeling a match with him at WrestleMania is a big deal. That'd be a slap in the face to anybody, especially as big of a name as Triple H has been for the past 15 years. I respect Punk for sticking to his principles, if that's part of what all this is about, though I personally believe that just walking out half an hour before Raw is dickish. Again, however, that's based on whether or how much of the info that's come out over the past 6 weeks is accurate.

 

[enviousdominous]

Why does Punk think he can be different than any other performer you've cited as coming back despite swearing that they never would?

Umm, he's his own person.

If Punk comes back, he'll be more sheepish and humble? Derr, did you bother to research the terms of any of the people you mentioned for their return to the WWE?

Bret Hart got in the Hall of Fame, buried the hatchet with Shawn on his terms and got to wail at Vince with a chair.

Everytime Stone Cold came back it was because Vince totally waffled, gave in to his demands and realized that he NEEDED Stone Cold for parts of his show to work.

The Rock may have been paid for his contribution, but he most certainly didn't return for the paycheck when you consider how much money he already had. The Rock didn't leave because he was disgruntled, The Rock left because he wants to live to see his great grandkids someday.

None of the men you mentioned came "crawling" back begging for a spot. Maybe some of them wanted to be cheered for again, maybe some of them wanted to buy a mansion. Either way, the only person who was desperate to see them come back was Vince McMahon.

The WWE is indeed a place that can stroke the biggest egos in the business, I feel that its tendency to do that a little too often was part of why Punk left. If Punk comes back, it'll be because Vince made the deal sweet enough for him to come back as he did with everyone else you mentioned. Punk gave his fans his best and if he never comes back I thank him for his contribution.

 

[TheHitMark-SirJoseOle]

Like all of these situations, I say let it play itself out. If Punk never comes back, then you can say "Well he stuck to his guns, all the power to him for leaving despite the circumstances he left under, but at least he never crawled back, like so many others.".

Then of course you have that possibility where he does crawl back and people will say "Told you so, hardly any of them EVER stay gone. EVER! That's just the nature of wrestling.". Let's all be rational here and entertain both those possibilities, but if it turns out that Punk does come crawling back to WWE and begging for McMahon and company to take him back, don't act surprised.

Many an established star has done this time and again, CM Punk wouldn't be setting a precedent if he became one of those very same to do so.

 

[A11oftheLights]

Doesn't punk want to main event wrestle mania to complete some bucket list? And apparently it was meant to be his last thing to check off before riding off into the sun. So naturally WWE didn't give it to him in a hope to get him to resign but that failed.

If WWE offer punk a spot in the Main event of WM in a couple of years time then I think he might be back for one more run but it'll only be a light load so he doesn't get burnt out I don't think he'll come crawling back but I do think he will come back

 

[shooter_mcgavin]

Bret Hart said that he would never appear in WWE again after SS '97, yet he came crawling back. Ultimate Warrior wanted nothing to do with WWE, after the first Warrior DVD, yet he came back recently, and is going into the HoF this year. Bruno Sammartino said that he wasn't going to go into the HoF, because he didn't like what Vince has done to the WWE (but obviously Bruno loves the money WWE threw him to get him back on board). Even celebrity Mr T, who turned down past requests to be in the HoF, will finally go in this year.
Mick Foley even left and went to TNA, because he didn't like the way Vince treated Jim Ross. Yet a Legends contract and HoF spot was enough to entice him back too.

"Stone Cold" Steve Austin walked out three times, upset with WWE, yet he came back again and again. The Rock, who has a career outside of WWE,and is the highest paid actor in Hollywood in 2013, still was attracted three WM paychecks.

Piper has kept coming back, so has Ric Flair. Most who said that they didn't want to work for Vince McMahon again usually do.

Just to put things in perspective

Bret Hart only came back and struck a deal with the WWE at 2005 that's true. But he did so because WWE was going to to a Self Destruction of The Ultimate Warrior like DVD for Bret Hart. That was the trump card the WWE had since Bret didn't want himself to be portrayed negatively so he decided to deal with the WWE. And it wasn't a smooth deal either, there was a lot of discussion with the lawyers of both parties. So Bret Hart didn't come crawling back if he had his lawyers draw up the terms of the deal.

The span between Warrior's DVD and his return was 9 years. Even so the only action Warrior took was trash the WWE (insanely I might add). He's always mentioned he didn't need the money and is financially well off. Why he made a deal to the WWE I do not know.

Bruno Sammartino only came back when Triple H approached him. So it took a lot of convincing in the WWE's part for Sammartino to become part of the company again.

I seriously doubt The Rock came "crawling back" to WWE. If anything it's either the WWE wanted The Rock to return so he can spike WM27's buy rates, or, at least, it was something both agreed upon as a mutual benefit. Plus The Rock dictated the direction of his return in his own terms, his schedule, who will he get the title from, etc. Everything was done to make The Rock happy. If The Rock did come crawling back, it would have been the WWE dictating the terms.

Money talks sure but it goes both ways. How else is the WWE going to attract these talents back to the company? Sure everyone was attracted by the nice paychecks but I hardly doubt any of these guys were knocking down Vince's office and was asking to work for him again.

 

[Airehk]

Its a statute of limitations sort of thing. That's the only reason why anyone really came "crawling" back. I sincerely think Punk has the money he needs to live a life off the road, but as for now, he;s just dealing with things mentally and physically. If he does come back, expect it for around Summerslam or Survivor Series.

 

[Mongoose McQueen]

No I'd say CM Punk is done with Wrestling at this point. Will he ever return for anything, even if it's not a match? I'd say probably yes. Everyone thought when Batista left, he'd never return because he was supposedly unhappy with his place in the company and then what happens? 4 years later he's back!

The same may or may not happen with CM Punk, while I don't disagree with him being frustrated I do think walking out like he did was too drastic. I mean, how many people on the planet can claim they held the WWE Title over a year, faced The Undertaker at WrestleMania and almost beat him, faced The Rock and millions while doing it. Not many.

I don't dislike the guy, I dislike the WAY he did it. CM Punk has been gone for almost two months now and I don't see him returning anytime soon, atleast not until after WrestleMania XXX. If I were to give a projection on IF he ever did return, I'd a say a few years down the line or possibly 2015. The guy is what, 35 now? so he still has a couple of years left in the tank provided he rests up well.

 

[CaptainZaltan]

When you basically tell your bosses to go screw themselves, and/or walk out and take an extended vacation for as long as you like, or punch your boss in the face (Bret), and can still return to your job and make a lot of money on your own terms down the road, that's not "crawling back with your tail between your legs." That's fighting the system and and winning. WWE wrestlers are contractors and the WWE is simply their biggest client. And as a contractor, getting your client to pay you on your terms is the holy grail of accomplishment. In any other profession, if you talk trash about your client and basically make up your own rules and still get their money in your pocket at the end of the day, people might assume it's because they need you more than you need them. Or in this case, they know they can make more money with you than without you. I'd love to know in what other profession a guy like Austin or Bret or any of the others you mention could do what they did and get away with it, and still have some people criticizing them for weakness when the same company they publically insulted wants to work out a deal for both parties to make more money. That's power, and anyone backstage trying to equate it to "crawling back" is just envious of it.

Besides, Punk never said he wouldn't come back. For all we know the only thing he said was that he was going home. He's not selling out himself or anyone else if he returns; he got to take his vacation, he got to draw his line in the sand, and if he does return I would imagine it would be on his terms. Like another Paul Heyman guy who got sick of the WWE's schedule and it's B.S, went off to do his own thing for a while, and got to come back with a contract for more money for less dates: Brock Lesnar.

 

[Honkey_Kong]

If Vince throws a dollar figure that is big enough you just can't refuse, that isn't crawling back. That's what we call doing business. We all do it to some degree. If you got enough money saved up that you're set for life, would you go back to your jobs? You'd probably quit. The money isn't worth the work to you. That's what happened with Punk here. The money wasn't worth the job to him.

Now of course, following that analogy, if you walked away from the job because you're set, I'm pretty sure even if you're set for life, your boss could give you a dollar amount or enough power at your job where you would come back to it. Same could happen with Punk. Just like it happened for every other guy who left and came back.

Like the Million Dollar Man says, "EVERYBODY'S GOT A PRICE!"

 

[Pérez84]

In several cases is the WWE who come crawling back to deal with a former worker.........

As people said, Bret, Warrior and others negotiated with the WWE as equals.

 

[jholcomb22]

I guess I missed the CM Punk interview where he stated he was never ever coming back to wrestling. Everybody eventually comes back to the WWE because it's where you are seen by the most people and where you make the most money.

CM Punk also realized that the only way for him to main event WrestleMania was to leave for a while and come back as a part timer, so he just started the first part of that process.

 

[Jay Jayerson]

I feel that Kevin Kelly kinda hit the nail on the head a few weeks back with his piece about the Consulting Class.

If this is not a work and Phil is indeed mad. Maybe he saw the light. Maybe he decided to play right into their hands and give them what they want. A part timer they will be more than happy to put in the main event. As far as he is concerned, he's paid his dues to the fans. If he hasn't earned your respect as a fan by now he probably never will and therefore doesn't care about what you think. And yes the way he left wasn't the best but actually if you consider it - it was rather painless. He tore the bandaid right off instead of doing it slow and painful like. Now Batista can work a couple of years doing 300+ nights a year only to have CM Punk come back for a big fat pay cheque and a guaranteed placement in the main event.

Or. It could all still be a work. Vince could have literally agreed to give Phil the year off because WM 30 was going to be so packed with nostalgia acts what possibly could CM Punk add to it? Thats like putting a rack of ribs on top of the surf and turf you just ordered (GET OUT OF MY HEAD JR). You're only going to get so many buys, and you only have so much money you can invest. It could also hurt a valuable property like CM Punk to allow him to be overshadowed by other acts. Besides with the decline of wrestling fandom over the last how many ever years Wrestlemania 30 is going to be all about nostalgia and rebuilding the fan base. Oh look who is that? The New Age Outlaws have already been back for a bit. Goldust too. They just pitched Steve Austin. Come on all you old fans. Come out of the wood work and buy our WWE network (where you can watch all the old stuff you actually liked).

So why not plant the seeds of next years big draw? Create the controversy that will fuel the buys in the coming year? Then let your new friends at TMZ (Im not really letting any cats out of any bags here - if you have a pair of eyes and some gray matter in between) help build a kayfabe that can hopefully survive even the internet age.

 

[George Steele's Barber]

... to the WWE, with his tail between his legs, sooner or later.

I'd have to imagine he would come back with his "tail between his legs" for financial reasons. So now you are an expert on Punk's financial acumen? Good to know, please continue.

There have been others more angry than C.M. Punk who vowed never to grace the halls of WWE again, and , years later, they come back, with their tail between their legs.

I'm sorry, you're going to have to show me where Punk said he "vowed never to grace the halls of WWE again" or else the basis of your argument is moot. I can't just take your word for it.

Bret Hart said that he would never appear in WWE again after SS '97, yet he came crawling back. Ultimate Warrior wanted nothing to do with WWE, after the first Warrior DVD, yet he came back recently, and is going into the HoF this year. Bruno Sammartino said that he wasn't going to go into the HoF, because he didn't like what Vince has done to the WWE (but obviously Bruno loves the money WWE threw him to get him back on board). Even celebrity Mr T, who turned down past requests to be in the HoF, will finally go in this year.
Mick Foley even left and went to TNA, because he didn't like the way Vince treated Jim Ross. Yet a Legends contract and HoF spot was enough to entice him back too.

"Stone Cold" Steve Austin walked out three times, upset with WWE, yet he came back again and again. The Rock, who has a career outside of WWE,and is the highest paid actor in Hollywood in 2013, still was attracted three WM paychecks.

Piper has kept coming back, so has Ric Flair. Most who said that they didn't want to work for Vince McMahon again usually do.

Still waiting to see where Punk said he would never return.

Even Punk himself tried to leave once before (after MITB 2011). Punk dropped a pipebomb on air, and was so dissatisfied with how the WWE treated him, he came back a month later.

What else do you believe that WWE, dirt sheets, and the wrestlers try to tell you?

Why does Punk think he can be any different?

Why do you think you know what Punk thinks? Are you mixing up the ramblings of some angry kids on the internet with Punk's true feelings?

The fact is, Punk needs WWE as much as they need him, and he probably needs them moreso.

Or they may not need each other at all.

What's Punk going to do after he has stopped sulking? Who else can offer him the money and attention he craves?

What are you going to do when Punk realizes you are watching him through his blinds and calls the cops? How do you know that he is sulking?

Punk will be back, and maybe more sheepish and humbled, and it will be shown that he can't resist the pull of WWE.

He probably will be back. Doesn't take a genius to figure that out. Humility comes generally with aging so that is normal. As far as resisting WWE's pull, is that so bad or so wrong? He went there in the first place, why wouldn't he go back? All we think we know is that it is not the place for him right now. You have no knowledge of his feelings about his future. Do you think he doesn't know the stories of SCSA, Bret Hart, Sammartino, and Warrior?

If Vince McMahon is suppousedly such a bastard, then why does everyone want to work and keep coming back to work for him?

Because WWE are the only ones who can cater to the wrestler's ego, and offer them more money and more exposure than anyone else. If you had a choice between college basketball and the NBA, which would you take? Well, being in WWE is the wrestling equivalent of being in NBA, or major league baseball.

Punk is just another plaything of Vince. McMahon offers enough, and Punk will sell his soul and come back again. An egotist like C.M. Punk won't get the attention he craves from ROH.

I'm confused. If Vince offers Punk enough money, then who is the one "that is coming back with their tails between their legs"?

Punk needs to realize that he needs WWE, and can't live without it. He'll be back, and Vince will win again.

And you need to seek counseling if you have delusions that you know what Punk is thinking.

 

[Blade]

Ugh. This again? I hate you people.

I hate this attitude that there must be a winner and a loser in all this. If CM Punk ever steps foot in the WWE again, he's somehow the loser. If WWE isn't able to get him back for Wrestlemania, they're the losers. It's bullshit, it's like people are talking about a high school relationship.

WWE is doing okay right now, putting on strong shows, and they're certain to get a strong number for Wrestlemania. CM Punk is looking happy and healthy. Right now, they're both fine. It's the fans making it out to be bigger than it actually is.

If CM Punk does return to the WWE, it won't be a case of 'crawling back with his tail between his legs,' you gom. It'll be because he feels well enough mentally and physically to work with WWE again.

Also, I like how if CM Punk returns, it's 'crawling back with his tail between his legs'. But even though WWE would take him back in less than heartbeat, and will always take back people who have screwed them, they're somehow better than Punk?

 

[FreedomOfMan]

Ugh. This again? I hate you people.

I hate this attitude that there must be a winner and a loser in all this. If CM Punk ever steps foot in the WWE again, he's somehow the loser. If WWE isn't able to get him back for Wrestlemania, they're the losers. It's bullshit, it's like people are talking about a high school relationship.

WWE is doing okay right now, putting on strong shows, and they're certain to get a strong number for Wrestlemania. CM Punk is looking happy and healthy. Right now, they're both fine. It's the fans making it out to be bigger than it actually is.

If CM Punk does return to the WWE, it won't be a case of 'crawling back with his tail between his legs,' you gom. It'll be because he feels well enough mentally and physically to work with WWE again.

Also, I like how if CM Punk returns, it's 'crawling back with his tail between his legs'. But even though WWE would take him back in less than heartbeat, and will always take back people who have screwed them, they're somehow better than Punk?

Thank God or Science or God and Science their are people like you in the world, man. Really. Why does it have to be win/lose? Assholes and shitted on? As you said, both are doing really well. Punk on Talking Dead looked very refreshed, WWE are putting on some of the best programming I've seen in months. People have to stop being a dick about every situation and just look at the reality of it: Both are doing fine;CM Punk has more money than anyone in this site (probably); The only ones saying anything remotely about the situation are fans and WWE themselves with their lil jabs. Punk has not made any mention of the whole thing what-so-ever, positive or negative. Grow up guys, seriously.

 

[FistoftheMFK]

The original post is terrible. None of those guys came back with their tails between their legs. They're all icons who can come back to a giant pop anytime they want, and because of that WWE throws ridiculous money and accolades(like the HOF) at them for their returns.

If Punk comes back, it will probably be under his terms.

 

[LoudClearVoice]

Bullshit. The man left on his own terms and he deserves to be respected for that. Clearly he doesn't need the money and frankly it is not my business in the slightest. If Punk comes back at all it will be because he wants to be back. It really is that simply. I don't think the lure of more money or fame is going to effect someone who left right in the middle of a deal.

I think the only thing that would bring someone as stubborn as Punk back is to finish his in ring career on his own terms. Other than that, the man deserves his rest. Let's give it to him and stop chanting his name randomly, or making threads on the internet about what a bitch he is.

Rock left on his own terms and yet these same people that love Punk and are backing his walkout are the ones who bashed Rock when he left, and bashed him when he came back saying he was only doing it for money even though he has far more money than Punk will ever even dream of in his life. I'm not saying it's you, I'm saying it's the fans in general that are being such hypocrites about the Punk situation. Punk turned his back on the fans. Why respect him for that? He's still under contract and just walked out. Did Rock do that?

 

[Pedigree1]

I dont see Punk crawling back with tail between legs type of guy. His networth is around 8 million thats pretty damn good.. If reports are true,and punk is frugal with his money,then that 8 million will be more than enough for him to live on for the rest of his life. Vinnie Mac owns 57% of the company thats insane! Vinnie Mac isnt rich,he is wealthy..

Punk is 35 who the hell knows what he is thinking. He might want to start a family,do commercials,the avenues now that are available to him are endless.. Punk strikes me as teh type of guy that keeps his word,and when he says he is done he is done

 

[chicagokmc]

history has shown us that, when it comes to the wwe and the talent they consider top level, the wwe will eventually welcome them back and unless that star doesn't want to wrestle at all any more, the star will be back because the wwe is the best option out there for the top level talent. it might take time. punk might even want to spend some time in that other wrestling organization, the one that airs Thursday nights. but at the end of the day, regardless of how much time it takes, he'll be back and he'll be welcomed back, regardless of how it happens and who has to concede what. history shows us this.

 

[MCMG]

I'm sure we will see CM Punk back at somepoint. It is impossible to predict the time or if he will wrestle but the WWE has made Punk and surely he realises that. Without the WWE, Punk would be a relative nobody.

If Punk has saved well then he probably won't need to be back any time soon. What he does next is interesting. Edge, Jericho, Austin and The Rock went into different things: acting, music, podcasts and Punk might not make that transition. I could envisage Punk wrestling for at a few indies but that ain't going to pay well.

Wreslting, pre-shows, Hall of Fame, commentary or indeed a legends contract. The WWE has a place for Punk and will pay him well. There are only so many talk shows that Punk can appear in. Punk surely must return at some point but I don't think it will be as embarrassing as the OP suggests.

 

[Captain Trips]

I think we will eventually see CM Punk back in a WWE ring. Once people start forgetting about him, he will come back.

I think Punk thought that the reaction from his fans about him walking out was going to be bigger than what it was. It is already starting to fizzle out.

I also think Punk felt that he was bigger than what he was. Don't get me wrong. I like CM Punk. I think he is a great wrestler and great on the mic but he was no Stone Cold.

People say he left because he needed a break and was wore out (which I agree with, you could see his performance wasn't what it used to be) but I think not main-eventing Wrestlemania had alot to do with it. It was said that a match with HHH wasn't enough for him. Do I feel he deserved to main event Wrestlemania? Absolutely. He is a hard worker but leaving because you don't get you way is no way for a man to act. He never left to STICK IT TO THE MAN. He left because he didn't like HIS place on the card.

I am a fan of CM Punk but not Phil Brooks. Phil Brooks comes off as a very cocky, holier-than-thou person through his comments. But CM Punk the character we watch on tv. I am a big fan.

As far as him returning. He'll be back one day & we can enjoy his matches once more

 

[d_henderson1810]

Why does Punk think he can be different than any other performer you've cited as coming back despite swearing that they never would?

Umm, he's his own person.

If Punk comes back, he'll be more sheepish and humble? Derr, did you bother to research the terms of any of the people you mentioned for their return to the WWE?

Bret Hart got in the Hall of Fame, buried the hatchet with Shawn on his terms and got to wail at Vince with a chair.

Everytime Stone Cold came back it was because Vince totally waffled, gave in to his demands and realized that he NEEDED Stone Cold for parts of his show to work.

The Rock may have been paid for his contribution, but he most certainly didn't return for the paycheck when you consider how much money he already had. The Rock didn't leave because he was disgruntled, The Rock left because he wants to live to see his great grandkids someday.

None of the men you mentioned came "crawling" back begging for a spot. Maybe some of them wanted to be cheered for again, maybe some of them wanted to buy a mansion. Either way, the only person who was desperate to see them come back was Vince McMahon.

The WWE is indeed a place that can stroke the biggest egos in the business, I feel that its tendency to do that a little too often was part of why Punk left. If Punk comes back, it'll be because Vince made the deal sweet enough for him to come back as he did with everyone else you mentioned. Punk gave his fans his best and if he never comes back I thank him for his contribution.

None of these guys come back unless they CHOSE to come back. Sure, they need a sweet deal, but Vince could live without these guys, most of who are retired, so the deal happens because BOTH PARTIES want it.

C.M. Punk is an attention-seeker. His promos, the way he baits crowds at house shows etc, he is like a little child who says "Look at me!". Everything C.M. Punk does is to bring attention to C.M. Punk. ROH won't give him such attention.

If Punk was making movies like the Rock, or doing the activities Jericho is, then he wouldn't need wrestling, as he is getting his ego fed elsewhere. But Punk has left WWE for ......what?

Punk NEEDS WWE! Only they can give him the attention he craves.

Punk wanting a family? But where else would Punk meet Divas to be up? Maybe he should join that company that Maria Kallelis is in, since he was banging her once.

Punk couldn't have a family, as it would require him loving someone other than himself.