The self-titled Best in the World sent shockwaves through the WWE Universe when he shockingly departed the company in early 2014. CM Punk reached the absolute peak of his career in the past few years, starting with his infamous pipe-bomb promo in 2011. Following a lengthy run as arguably the companys top face, Punk pulled a 180 and became WWEs most hated and vilified competitor. After holding the WWE Championship for an incredible 434 days and putting on an incredible performance with the Undertaker at WrestleMania XXIX, Punk returned to his good guy ways. By January 2014s Royal Rumble pay-per-view, it seemed that the Straight Edge Superstar was on course to become involved in a heated feud with the Authority. Specifically, rumors have suggested that plans were in place for Punk to do battle with Triple H at Mania XXX. However, all was derailed when CM Punk abruptly walked away from the company the following night. There have been numerous reports about what happened prior to the next nights Raw, but the only people who really know what took place were the folks inside the room -- supposedly Punk, Vince McMahon, and Triple H. Both parties -- Punk and WWE -- have kept relatively quiet since the superstars departure. Furthermore, Punk stated in July that he would never return to the company or professional wrestling -- instead choosing to pursue other ventures. Many in the business like to use the idiom of never say never, but it appears that Punk truly has no desire to return anytime soon -- a truly shocking and sudden end to his professional wrestling career.
Douglas Scarpa is a freelance writer, independent filmmaker, art school graduate, and pro wrestling aficionado -- all of which mean he is in financial ruin. He has no backup plan to speak of, yet maintains his abnormally high spirits. If he had only listened to the scorn of his childhood teachers, he wouldn't be in this situation.
