CM Punk has not appeared on WWE television since walking out on the company on Jan. 27 prior to an episode of Monday Night RAW, and it was reported over the weekend that Punk was granted his release from the company on Friday, but according to updated reports, the WWE is officially stating that Punk has not been released.
According to The Wrestling Observer, the company has officially announced that Punk has not been released and another source within the WWE also contacted the publication to say that the previous report about Punk being released from his contract was untrue.
PWInsider reported over the weekend at the WWE's live events that Punk was granted his release from the company on Friday, but it seems as though it turned out to just be a rumor. According to Wrestlingheadlines.com, Punk's profile has remained on the WWE's website as a member of the roster though those close to Punk have described "The Best in the World" as being "done" with the company.
Punk walked out on Jan. 27 prior to RAW for disputed reasons with some claiming that he was burned out and frustrated with his place on the card while others believe it was a head injury at the Royal Rumble event the night before that led to him leaving. It's likely the former as Punk has been vocally agitated over the fact that part-timers like Batista and The Rock have headlined past WrestleManias while Punk has been sauntered down to the midcard at the biggest event of the year after working all-year-long.
Reports last week stated that WWE CEO and Chairman Vince McMahon likes Punk as a person and was hoping to bring him back to the company, but it seems like Punk may actually not return for WrestleMania XXX season.
While it was also reported that the company didn't see him as a top draw when it comes to ticket sales and pay-per-view buys, he was one of the biggest merchandise movers which also adds to the desire of the WWE to bring him back.
Punk has always wanted to main event a WrestleMania event, but with his contract expiring in July and the WWE pushing towards him facing Triple H at WrestleMania, it may have been the contributing reason that Punk left the company. Punk may not return to the wrestling realm, but he has had multiple mixed martial arts fighters challenge him, and he is free to pursue that if he wants to after his deal with the WWE runs out in July.
While Punk may not return to the company before his contract expires in July, the WWE has yet to grant his release so there is still slight hope that the WWE can bring him back before the expiration of his contract.
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