CM Punk has not appeared on WWE television since the Royal Rumble pay-per-view on Jan. 26 after he walked out prior to a live Monday Night RAW telecast the following night, but reports indicate that WWE CEO and Chairman Vince McMahon is hoping to get "The Best in the World" back before WrestleMania XXX on April 6 at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans.

According to Wrestlingheadlines.com, there is a feeling among those close to Punk and the WWE that McMahon will likely convince Punk to return to the squared circle and ultimately talk him into re-joining the company. Punk, who has been frustrated with his place on the card and sensed that he wouldn't headline this year's WrestleMania, has been mum on why he left and if he plans to return.

Punk's contract was set to expire in July, but he walked out on Jan. 27 due to speculated reasons that are likely connected to his frustration with his standing in the card and his upcoming rumored match with Triple H at WrestleMania XXX.

Punk has been vocally upset about part-timers like The Rock and Batista headlining the biggest show of the year on limited appearance deals while guys like himself and Daniel Bryan work all-year-long and end up in the middle of the card.

McMahon has vowed to get Punk to come back, and with a huge episode of Monday Night RAW emanating from Punk's hometown of Chicago next Monday on March 3, it seems like McMahon will pull out all the stops to bring the superstar back and those close to him reportedly think that the chairman can pull it off.

With Punk having an interest in mixed martial arts, there have been rumors that he may pursue a UFC career following the WWE, but it is merely speculation. Punk isn't free to do whatever he wants until his contract expires in July. UFC President Dana White discussed Punk's interest after Punk sat cageside with him at UFC 170.

White said he doesn't speak with Punk about anything pertaining to a career in UFC.

"He is a friend and a fan," White explained to TMZ. "We have literally never talked about wrestling or fighting or anything else work related since I've known him."

It's unknown if Punk will return, but the WWE is hopeful to bring him back for the Chicago RAW next Monday or at the very least for WrestleMania XXX.