The WWE has finally ended the uncertainty surrounding CM Punk, delivering the news that his fans holding onto the slim hopes of a comeback were dreading to hear.
CM Punk is now officially retired.
The WWE on Tuesday night transitioned Punk from the “Superstars” section of WWE.com , where all active wrestlers are listed, to the “Alumni” page.
CM Punk officially has joined the WWE alumni page. Good Bye Pipe Bomb Dropper. #ThankYouPunk #WWENetwork pic.twitter.com/QaY5RwrUj4
— The Fan’s Podcast (@TheFansPodcast) July 15, 2014
Many fans had been holding out hope of a comeback ever since CM Punk suddenly and mysteriously left the WWE early this year. He left after the 2014 Royal Rumble, asking the WWE to take him off the roster for upcoming events and disappearing into obscurity.
The silence from both the WWE and CM Punk led some to speculate that his absence could have been all part of the act, but when Punk failed to show for Wrestlemania 30, most fans started to accept that he would be gone for good.
Shortly after the official word of his retirement was released, CM Punk took the unusual step of reaching out to fans. Punk has remained largely silent during his time away from the WWE, but on Tuesday night, he tweeted a message of thanks.
“Nope, thank YOU.Thanks for all the help and support through the years. Health and happiness above all.Don’t ever take any sh*t from anybody.”
— Coach (@CMPunk) July 15, 2014
Had the WWE not officially shifted CM Punk to retired status, his career would have been effectively over in days. Punk’s contract was set to expire on July 17, and with neither side interested in negotiating an extension, his wrestling days would have ended one way or another.
Fans who want to see CM Punk again will only be able to turn to the Alumni page of the WWE website, where he can be found between Christy Hemme and Crash Holly.
