8. Wrestling Elsewhere
CM Punk is first and foremost a pro wrestler. Logically what is he going to do after his WWE contract expires? Wrestle is the obvious answer. There's a whole host of places Punk could work his trade outside the WWE, places he can command top money for limited dates. People aren't really tipping Punk to continue with wrestling, but why not, a limited schedule and top money with creative control sounds right up Punk's street. By all accounts one of his biggest issues with WWE has been burn-out and a loathing of travelling, but with a smaller promotion he could take his pick. When someone comes to him offering a load of money for one day of work a month, there has to be a chance he will go for it. So where could that place be? Punk has a loathing for TNA, particularly after his early days with the company, and anyway, they might not be around long enough to snap him up. They probably can't afford him to begin with given their roster cuts and finance problems. So TNA seems out of the question. Ring of Honor could be more realistic. Punk was heavily involved with the brand previously, so even if he doesn't wrestle, he could still jump back into his role as trainer or office work. Chances are though ROH would want to use him as a wrestler, he could significantly elevate the whole company if he went back there. Given that Punk might be up for helping them out and they would surely want him, ROH has possibilities. The dark horses for Punk have to be Jeff Jarrett's new Global Force promotion and any of the Japanese promotions. He could make money in Japan but is he really going to want the travel, probably not. As for Jarrett, Punk would certainly be the kind of name to make GWF a player on the wrestling scene. Somehow I just doubt that Punk would want to do business there, I also doubt Jarrett could put together a suitable financial deal. The likeliest scenario is Punk doesn't wrestle for a while, but ultimately, he will wrestle again somewhere. We will have to wait and see.