Long term fans will recall thinking Steve Austin would be gone from WWE for years after the bitter fallout of 2002. Austin had upset a lot of people in the company with his walk-out, who in turn smeared him in a vicious series of shoots and promos endorsed by WWE. Relations sucked. Nevertheless, just six months later, Austin and Vince McMahon were talking. The Rattlesnake returned in February 2003, less than a year after the volatile dispute. If that ugly situation can be recovered, so can Punk's dispute. His contract will expire in July, he will cool off for the rest of the year, and then both sides could see the money potential for a return around WrestleMania 31. Punk is a draw and captivates the audience, returning in the run up to Mania 31 would give the WWE momentum. The Daniel Bryan buzz won't be as hot next year, the streak selling point won't be there, WWE could do with someone like Punk as a special attraction. It could happen that the next step in his future is a time-out before a triumphant return.
