2. He's Locked Into A War With WWE To See Who'll Blink First
An alternative theory about Punk might be that he DOES want to go back. The cynics amongst you might view his exit as a strategic way to leverage power over his employer. Think about it, he's more valuable now than he's ever been. He wasn't happy with the way things were, so he left, in the process transforming his worth. The walkout turned him into the hottest name in (or should that be 'not in') the wrestling world. What might be playing out now is Punk increasing his value further. Vowing to never go back only makes any potential comeback more financially lucrative. Both WWE and Punk are aware of this market value. Maybe they're waiting to see who will blink first, neither party wanting to lose their pride. Both want to feel wanted. Both fear rejection if they do make a noise about reconciliation. Paul Heyman references this notion in his interview with Ariel Helwani. "I believe that both parties are going to face a situation in the future where it's going to behoove them to do business again. At that point, either WWE will have the satisfaction of saying 'but we're not picking up the phone' or CM Punk will have the satisfaction of saying 'no'" That worry could be stopping both parties from working together, when both are in fact salivating at the creative and commercial opportunity in front of them.
