**Merged** CM Punk Leaving WWE (KEEP ALL DISCUSSION IN HERE!!)

[VinnieSunshine]

What if Punk somehow, either with Nexus help or by himself, wins the MITB, or a member of Nexus gives it to him. Punk could then go onto his match with Cena. Punk then loses the match, immediately cashing in the MITB on Cena for another chance.

 

[CarlSinclair]

One can then assume he has finally resigned and come to an agreement with WWE regarding his naming rights.

It would then be a storyline to lead in to his leaving that is well known on the internet. It will be assumed he is loosing on the basis wwe wont let him be wwe champion and not with the company.

He either wins and then is a rogue champion and refuses to release the belt (because he isn't under contract they cant force him) and maybe leads to the new belt (long rumoured) being brought in and he takes a hiatus. he comes back and unifies that with the other belt and the world heavyweight championship and the new wwe title? another long term rumor.

either that or he is going early and its a last rub for cena but I would think considering he is going early its part of a storyline.

 

[NitroWCW]

I doubt this would happen, but it would be amazing if CM punk won the WWE championship and went to TNA or Impact or whatever they're called now.

 

[shooter_mcgavin]

Knowing how safe the WWE books John Cena I wouldn't be surprised if Cena simply retain the title since.

However if something should go down, I can see Punk winning the title but the MITB winner (probably a face) cashing in to challenge and beat Punk that same night. From the looks of it I can either see Mysterio or a returning Morrison take this. On the former, I think it would be a better idea since this can set up a Mysterio vs. Cena showdown at Summerslam.

 

[Foshinzo]

I think this idea people are throwing out of the Screwjob is just ridiculous. How quickly we forget that it was announced just a week or so ago that he's going to just take some time off, then probably come back. Where is he going to go, TNA? Yeah, the man who himself has taken jabs at TNA will go work for them, even after they signed Jeff and Matt Hardy, men that openly dislike Punk, and we know Punk feels the same. My point is that even if he leaves WWE for good, the only place for him to go would be back to Ring of Honor, which despite getting a new TV deal, is not a secure work environment. Sure, he could boost the show's popularity instantly, but it's still a major, uncertain project and Punk would probably go for the easier work environment on the bigger stage. Again, that won't happen. For people predicting another Screwjob and saying that he'll be missed after he's gone: he will most certainly be missed...for the few months that he's off WWE TV. He'll probably come back as the Rumble surprise and be ready just in time for a match at Wrestlemania. Seriously, it's going to be fine.

 

[baddass79]

his contract is not up in sept it is being reported his contract ends sometime in july so this is most likly punks last match this is how he goes out i see a possibilty screw job at mitb coming or they run a injury angle on punk but hes not leaving with the title cena wont lose that quick

 

[LegendKiller716]

I think he may have already signed a new deal. I know the dirt sheets haven't announced it, so most think it didn't happen, but what if he signed a new deal and this is the way WWE is giving him the time off he requested.

It depends on how long he takes off, but maybe he returns as a surprise Rumble entrant. Its been a good year since that story line happened. lol.

 

[Champ1432]

I highly doubt there will be a Chicago Screw Job, it will bring too much heat on Cena from the fans, even if he claims to know nothing about it. I don't think Vince would do that to the face of the company with no one there to step into that role. Sure, it would turn Punk face, but everyone seems to think he'll be taking some time off, so who would be there to fill the void?

I can definitely see the theory of Punk winning, then losing to the MITB winner playing out. That would still set him up for a face run when he comes back, assuming a heel (Del Rio?) wins MITB to feud with Cena.

If you want to get really out there, maybe Vince tries to interfere on behalf of Punk to "try and keep him in the company", but Cena overcomes and wins anyway?

Either way, kudos to WWE for creating some interesting possibilities for the next PPV, something unpredictable.

 

[daqwanjamal]

I called a screw job like situation earlier in the post. It has way too many similarities with the event from 11/9/97. I actually see it happening. I know people would disagree. But I see Punk heading to ROH or Impact Wrestling. Most likely ROH. I think he owes that company. It's obvious that CM Punk got his start there. Why not have one of the biggest stars in the world become the face of the company, a company who is on its way to national exposure.

 

[Jack-Hammer]

It's a good opportunity for the WWE to add a touch of some extra drama and intrigue to the WWE Championship match for MITB.

There's been talk and speculation about CM Punk's status in the WWE for a while now. We've all read reports online about how Punk is allegedly unhappy and/or burned out at this point in time. It's entirely believable after all and, of course, WWE is all too aware that such talk is going to spread like wildfire when it's regarding, arguably, the overall best wrestler on their roster. There's been no word on how negotiations are going, if they're continuing or really if they've just fallen through altogether. Based on what Punk said tonight, it's easy to assume that it's the latter and that WWE is building this up as Punk's last big horrah.

As others have pointed out, I thought Punk's contract wasn't due to expire until September. It's possible that the WWE would let him out early I suppose. A bit unlikely I think, but possible.

It's also possible that this is all just a ploy to generate even more buzz surrounding this situation with Punk. For all we know, the WWE & Punk have long since worked out a new deal and Punk has been instructed to keep that hush hush and use this to potentially drive up ppv buys for MITB.

Personally, I don't think Punk is going anywhere. If Punk is indeed on his way out, then he's getting a very strong send off that doesn't generally happen. Punk has become a top figure on Raw for the last while, he's won a couple of high profile matches against the likes of Rey Mysterio, he beat the reigning WWE Champion John Cena last week and he wins a triple threat match making him #1 contender for the WWE Championship tonight. If he was leaving, I have a feeling WWE would want to bury him in the hopes of ultimately bringing down his stock in the eyes of millions of fans in the chance that he won't be looked upon as highly by some if he were to pop up in TNA. At the same time though, it's always possible that Vince is doing a classy thing and letting him go out as a top contender.

I don't think I've ever heard a wrestler say in a promo when his deal is up, that he's leaving when it's up and that he's taking the title with him. Whether he's staying or leaving, it's going to add some intrigue to his match with Cena.

While it'll be potentially very entertaining to see how this all plays out, don't think for one second that Punk will be leaving with the WWE Championship. It just ain't gonna happen folks. Sorry to burst the bubble of anyone that thinks it could for whatever reason. This isn't the 90s when a guy could be on one show one night and then be working for the competition the next night and carrying a title from the first company.

 

[iwinulose]

the wwe better have punk win, cause im sick of cena being the champ. plus if punk leaves we will lose another great talent on RAW. i bet he is gonna resign or he wants to retire both the belt and himself.

 

[BlueRocK55]

I think Vince should let Punk win this time, because everybody is getting tired and sick of Cena as a champion. A new WWE champion and a new face of Raw would be very nice.

 

[Peep]

I was so happy when Punk won tonight. It's perfect. CM Punk vs. John Cena (a match I'd love to see anytime) for the WWE Championship... In Chicago. Beautiful. Even the WWE couldn't screw this one up.

But now we have the semi-realistic angle about Punk's contract coming into play.

I can't help but laugh at everyone saying this is Vince's way of letting Punk leave on good terms. Come on people. Punk is great, but the company comes before all. If someone was REALLY about to leave (as in go into free agency, essentially), there is no way they'd get to say the things Punk said on Raw and no way they'd be headlining a PPV. At least, not in this day and age when there were at least two-three other legitimate options for the #1 contender spot.

The fact that Punk is going to be headlining a PPV and openly spoke about his contract status on Raw makes me feel very comfortable that his future with the WWE is secure. Is that to say he won't be taking time off soon? No, not at all. I don't think it would surprise anyone to see Punk get some time off, even if in story line it looks like he's "leaving." However, I'm more comfortable now than I was 24 hours ago saying that CM Punk will be a WWE Superstar for the foreseeable future.

As for what will actually happen on July 17... It's anyone's guess.

Cena could get another win and Punk is left in the ring speechless as the fans usher him out to "Hey hey hey Goodbye."

Punk possibly WINS takes the belt and enters "story line free agency." He keeps showing up on WWE TV as usual but is basically his own man and goes by his own rules.

or...

Punk wins the WWE Championship, only to lose it moments later as (insert name here) cashes in his newly won Money In The Bank contract and brings the WWE Championship back to Raw.

 

[lilnev2009]

Its a work. Do you think that for one second Vince would allow for CM punk to get on tv and say that if it was true? And do you think Punk would have won? Everyone and there mama knew Batista was going to leave the company after his I quit match and Batista at that time was way bigger than CM Punk. And they sure as hell didn't let him do this. PLus Vince saw one of his titles get thrown in the garbage before....that won't happen again. I will miss the promos and the personality but he will be back just like Jericho came back

 

[daqwanjamal]

I think Vince should let Punk win this time, because everybody is getting tired and sick of Cena as a champion. A new WWE champion and a new face of Raw would be very nice.

Why so we can criticize him, that's the problem. The IWC gets bored very easily. You beg and complain for something to happen. When it does 3 months from now. You can't stand it or its boring. That's why we are the 10%ers. Point. Blank. Period. Cena sells merchandise. Ce, Cena has mainstream popularity. Until another mainstream marketable guys comes. We are stuck with Cena. That's the only WWE conspiracy.

 

[xXBigEXx]

Well, as the update on WZ it points more like put up or shut up time. MitB just got more interesting. What better way to work us all then to have Punk "leave with the title?" If this is something to prove he's top dog and that's what they're looking for then please deliver. The possibilities are endless with this. Either way it's not predictable at all.

My thoughts on what I want is let this run wild, especially if this is to prove his worth. This is HUGE to me no matter what happens. I hope it works, I hope the WWE brass sees what we all see in him and I hope we all get to witness some creative shit here. Let him win it, let him take it. Work it like nothing else ever witnessed and watch this shit take off. I'm telling you if done the right way we got some goooooods coming our way. If they don't and he leaves it will be a sad time.

Like his theme says, this fire burns, always.
No matter what, no matter where he goes he'll be the best. I just hope it's the WWE. Punk caught my attention and I hope we see history in the making.

 

[WWWYKI777]

So the way the WZ articles sound it sounds like if we love CM Punk and want WWE to step up and make a deal he can't refuse with more money and main event status that we all should go out of our way and actually buy the MITB PPV to boost numbers and hopefully that will tell them "Hey , try harder to keep him"

If he does leave I hope when he feels rested and ready that he will come back.... to TNA! Where he can boost the better company further

Wrestlers of Punks calibur & attitude are perfect for TNA.

 

[Johnny Scumm]

Gaga, your first two lines hit the mark exactly. Punk should bring in the numbers with what's going to happen at MiTB. But then you mention TNA. If Punk ever goes to TNA, I will die. He does not belong there, he'll be mis-used and dumped on within an instant. TNA is filled with drunk, drugged up men, who Punk would just be buried around. I'm a TNA fan, but that's just wrong. All he needs is a rest right now, to see him with the WWE Title, take a break and then come back, when he's feeling better would be fine. No to TNA.

 

[TheTruNoLimit]

So the way the WZ articles sound it sounds like if we love CM Punk and want WWE to step up and make a deal he can't refuse with more money and main event status that we all should go out of our way and actually buy the MITB PPV to boost numbers and hopefully that will tell them "Hey , try harder to keep him"

If he does leave I hope when he feels rested and ready that he will come back.... to TNA! Where he can boost the better company further

Wrestlers of Punks calibur & attitude are perfect for TNA.

Well, I get where you're coming from but here's the thing. If WWE was trying to see how Punk can draw "at the top" they're not going to be able to. If you've got 3 more episodes of Raw before MITB. My best guess, ratings aren't any better than they ever are. Single superstars don't really draw in today's era. The ratings remain a constant. Heck, even the return of the Rock didn't boost Raw ratings that much. Sure, he certainly brought in a TON of PPV buys, probably about 250,000 more than 'Mania had last year, but even with the Rock, WWE didn't come close to the elusive 4.0.

That being said, Raw ratings will likely remain in the low to mid 3's regardless of any angle. With PPV ratings, they can't test out his ability to sell a PPV because if he's "leaving" right after MITB, the #'s aren't even close to tabulated at that point.

Part of me is really excited in the thoughts of Punk winning, pulling a ruse over everyone, sticking around. Perhaps this is the gesture of good faith that keeps Punk around, a win over Cena and a WWE Championship reign. After the title reign, let him take some time off. But right now, with how uncertain his status is, I really, really hope WWE doesn't pull dumb shit and have him embarrassed by Cena at MITB. This should be the match headlining Summerslam. Cena/Del Rio I have no interest in.

MITB, at least for me, just became the WWE's premier Summer PPV. I'll take Cena/Punk (in Chicago no less), Orton/Christian (if it happens again), and two Money in the Bank Ladder matches over the "rumored" Summerslam card featuring Cena/Del Rio and R-Truth/Morrison.

 

[lenguy]

Whether Punk realizes it or not, he is a hot commodity in the WWE right now. Hes been featured in top feuds and angles since being moved to Raw. I don't get how Punk can get the assumption that he's not being threat like a top player. He was featured in a Wrestlemania match arguably against WWE's hottest star right now, Randy Orton..but then the argument could also be made that he wasn't used properly in the feud very well. He's a what? 3 time world champion,two of which are money in the bank wins, had a feud with one of the greatest legends in the business with The Undertaker(which again, some would argue he wasn't used properly in that feud as well)

Punk has been showcased in some of the better feuds over the last year, and his Mic skills are rival to nobody and now hes being featured in another top program with WWE's current poster child and yet he seems to think that WWE doesn't see him as a top player. I'll admit he could of gone over a few times in some of these feuds but being place in programs with the likes of Rey Mysterio, John Cena, Randy Orton and The Undertaker should say something about WWE's faith in Punk to be a major player in the game. But then I do understand that this might run deeper than just the feeling of not being appreciated enough.

I do expect Punk back sooner rather than later. Possibly even back as a surprise Rumble entrant, if not then I wouldn't expect to see him until sometime after Mania. By this time next year I do see Punk back and fully rejuvenated. He might go back to ROH for awhile who knows and no, I don't see Punk going to TNA just to get lost in the shuffle. From what I understand, Punk is very comfortable with his position in the WWE and this is probably due to simple burnout more than anything else. He will be back, and its just a matter of when.

 

[AngryCenaFan]

RAW is going to get even more boring without him, he pretty much saves that pathetic show by himself, Cena knows he needs Punk around or he'll be exposed for the contrived, boring, vanilla, unfunny jackass that he is.....

 

[FozzyRocks2009]

I wish this could be a CM Punk going out on top deal but I fear two things. One since it sounds like he is leaving cause he is "upset" with WWE they won't let him win and retire with it, 2nd he is after all facing Cena and if "Super Cena" is there in anyway that night well the Straight Edge Society followers are screwed. Also I remember people a while back saying the WWE belt might be updated or replaced. Could this be how they do it???? C.M. Punk wins and takes the belt with him thus leaving Raw without one forcing a new one to be made....kinda like Brock did when he left Raw for SD and took the Undisputed??? I know i'm probably gonna get skewered for saying that but just a thought, i think

 

[The Man Of 1004 Holds]

punk wins the match in front of his home crowd who will be right behind him. im predicting rvd cena ecw style. it looks like its good bye but then raw's money in the bank winner cashes in and brings the title back to raw. this could be del rio or the miz. punk leaves but he will be back (i hope)

 

[chetdawg]

JULY 17TH WILL BE THE LAST DAY I WILL BE WATCHING WWE COZ MY FAV WRESTLER CM PUNK IS LEAVING I CANT WATCH WWE WITHOUT PUNK IF NO PUNK NO WWE FOR ME

I feel the same way.......he has been my favorite wrestler since his ROH days. I will never forget his WWE debut, and how awesome it was for me, and how upsetting it will be seeing his final match in his hometown next month.

 

[Mustang Sally]

Now if this is really legitimately true. Do you detect a Bret Hart/ Screwjob scenario. Hometown, Championship match. It could possibly happen.

Interesting theory, but I don't think we'll ever see that kind of thing again. For one, I'm not convinced Punk is really leaving, despite what he said last night. Just the fact he was allowed to make an announcement like that means there's some kind of plan. Perhaps the reason the whole program is starting is because he's already signed a new contract, or will before the Cena match. Or, there could be a provision to announce he's leaving, but it's actually just a sham; he might have negotiated a new contract that builds in a few months off for Punk. If that's the case, it will be interesting to see if they have him win the title.....and even more interesting to see what becomes of that title if he takes time off.

But I don't think we'll see a Bret Hart type of thing. If Punk is truly leaving forever, he won't be going with the title and, unlike Bret, Punk already knows it. After all, if he plans to leave WWE forever, why would the company indulge him by having him win the title at all? I mean, what for if he's deserting them?

One of the great (& frustrating!) aspects of professional wrestling is how they've taken real-life situations and applied them to what we see on TV. The best example I can think of was the Edge-Lita-Matt Hardy triangle. We had been hearing about real-life trouble among the three of them, yet it seemed hard to believe they were airing the dirty laundry on TV. Was there really trouble in their private lives they were using to add spice to WWE programming.....or was the whole thing a made-for-TV creation? It was maddening......but man, was it fun.

Now, we have C.M. Punk. For a couple of months, we've been hearing that he's thinking of leaving. I thought the odds were even that the whole thing was in the imagination of the IWC. Okay, we now know there's something behind it. Yet, is he leaving because he wants to rest for a few months, or because the company isn't treating him like a "main guy," or because he wants more money.....or something else? Can his mind be changed in the next month? Or has it been changed already, resulting in this new program Punk kicked off last night?

They're cooking up something big. There are plenty of folks on this forum that complain WWE never gives them anything new.

Well, here's something new.