Please Bring CM Punk Back To WWE

Following UFC President Dana White’s comments following CM Punk and a second straight loss in the octagon, it would appear the former WWE champion’s career in MMA is over.

That’s a 0-2 record that wasn’t even close to being successful. I give Punk all the respect in the world for trying to make a second career in another highly-charged sport that honestly he had no chance at succeeding. Now, will there be a reconciliation between the “Second City Saint” and WWE? Can Punk, who has complained about the company that made him a household name for suspect medical practices, tuck his tail between his legs and slide up to the bar next to Vince McMahon and ask to have his seat at the adult table once again?

“It probably should be a wrap,” White said of Punk’s MMA career per Brett Okamoto of ESPN.com. “The guy is 39 years old. I love the guy. He’s the nicest guy in the world. We gave him two shots, and he had a lot of heart tonight in this fight. And I think he should call it a wrap.”

What White wants, he usually gets. He wanted Punk for the name recognition, the chance to show he could take someone with Phil Brooks’ heart and turn him into a true fighter. The performer failed miserably at it but has earned the respect of many who probably echo the sentiments White expressed following the loss to Mike Jackson at UFC 225 on Saturday night at the United Center.

CM Punk is no Brock Lesnar, who has been a heavyweight champion in both genres. Ronda Rousey owned the women’s division until two devastating losses. Ken Shamrock was successful on both levels. Bobby Lashley has been in the octagon as well. Dan Severn proved to lay the groundwork for everyone after him.

Now, Punk is a footnote in a failed attempt to prove he can handle the real workings of fighting without the theatrical scripted nature of a wrestling ring. Wrestling fans have to wonder if coming back to the McMahon circus would be the right move and if not, could he follow the same path as Cody Rhodes – making himself an international success through ROH, TNA, and NJPW?

Punk was a success on the independent circuit before he made his way to Stamford, CT. It could work again – in time.

Right now, WWE is teetering on the brink of something big from its new deal with Fox Sports and a change in format for the SmackDown Live brand. Monday Night Raw, with its forgotten champion in Lesnar and its dissolution of the main event picture, could use the shot of adrenaline someone like Punk could bring to the company and the hoard of fans who still chant his name at live events.

As Okamoto wrote, Before Saturday’s bout, Punk told ESPN he intended to continue his career regardless of what happened against Jackson. White had different ideas after the fight. If Punk left UFC, it would be without fanfare, more like a whisper in the wind.  

If he comes back to WWE, the fans will come. They will come in droves. Like Daniel Bryan, they will cheer loudly in his honor. His wife, AJ Lee could be part of the reunion as well, adding another card to a stacked deck in WWE’s women’s division. I’m salivating at the possibilities. I would love to see Punk and AJ Styles. A confrontation with Shinsuke Nakamura and possibly a shot at Roman Reigns with a heel turn part of the script.

WWE should pick up the phone and test the waters a bit. Vince McMahon himself should be the voice on the other end of the conversation. Whatever it takes, make this happen. Bring Punk back to where he belongs and erase the stain his UFC career has left on Punk’s resume. Everything is fair in love and wrestling. This time, the two who had a past relationship must kiss and make up. Not just for WWE’s need for ratings and more balance on its roster, but to help ease the pain Punk feels by being miscast as a fighter when he is really a performer.