While the WWE has been mum on the fact that CM Punk has left the company aside from WWE chairman Vince McMahon saying on a conference call that he is "taking a sabbatical' and the WWE somewhat addressing his absence during the Chicago RAW on Monday without going into specifics, John "JBL" Bradshaw Layfield commented on Punk in a new blog on LayfieldReport.com.
Why WWE and Vince McMahon didn't bury Punk at Chicago RAW
JBL said he didn't know much on what was going on between the WWE, but he did say that he hoped the "Best in the World" would return soon.
"I don't know any facts on CM Punk-I had the honor of wrestling Punk in his first main events in WWE, including a cage match in Madison Square Garden," JBL wrote. "I have always enjoyed Punk and being around him, I certainly wish him the best-hope he comes back, but whatever happens my best to him."
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Despite rumors that Punk would appear on RAW Monday from his hometown of Chicago, he didn't show up and hasn't been seen on WWE television since he stormed out hours before a live RAW telecast on Jan. 27, the night after the Royal Rumble pay-per-view.
McMahon has been hopeful that he'd be able to convince Punk to come back since he likes him as a person and also because Punk is one of the biggest merchandise movers in the company and the WWE has spent time and money on licensing his character. It was reported earlier this week that those close with Punk believe that he is done with wrestling and won't be returning to the WWE.
Punk's contract is set to expire in July, and despite the fact that he is in breach of his agreement with the WWE by not honoring dates for over the last month, the WWE has not buried him publicly due to the fact that they are hopeful that he will "get his head on straight" and return.
Punk had been vocally frustrated in the past over his use on WWE television and within the storylines, and he felt that guys like himself and Daniel Bryan should headline WrestleMania, not returning part-timers like The Rock and Batista.
Punk was rumored to be taken on Triple H at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans for WrestleMania XXX on April 6, which would have likely been his last appearance at the event due to his contract expiring in July, however since he walked out and doesn't appear to be coming back, the WWE has been hinting at doing Bryan vs. Triple H at the biggest show of the year.
Punk was reportedly upset about taking on Triple H and not being able to fulfill his dream of headlining WrestleMania this year, which could have weighed into him leaving.
While superstars such as JBL wish that Punk would come back, it seems as though he may be done with the company and the fact that he didn't show up for the Chicago RAW only adds to the speculation that Punk will not be returning.
What will happen with CM Punk? Tell us on Twitter: @SportsWN, @MikeSmollins
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