Backstage News on Why CM Punk Was Left off Post-WrestleMania Raw

It was strange to not see CM Punk at the post-WrestleMania edition of Raw given he’s the company’s second-biggest, full-time star.

Several weeks ago, it was reported that Punk would be taking time off after the huge event (PWInsider via wrestlinginc.com), but that wasn't the reason why he didn't appear on Monday.

According to PWInsider (via wrestlinginc.com) The Second City Saint wasn't on TV to sell his loss to The Undertaker at WrestleMania 29 and also to maintain his integrity as a heel:

"As noted before, CM Punk was kept off Monday's Raw to sell The Undertaker's win at WrestleMania 29. Another reason WWE officials kept him off Raw is because they didn't want him to receive a massive pop from the post-WrestleMania crowd that was at Monday's show. At one point, there were plans for Punk to come out and cut a promo but they nixed it."

It's a little strange that Punk was kept off Raw to sell his loss given his match with The Undertaker wasn't particularly violent—at least in the sense that there was no blood or weapons.

However, Punk was legitimately hurt at 'Mania after the spot that saw him hit 'Taker with a flying elbow onto the Spanish announce table (which amazingly didn't break).

In a separate report by PWInsider (via wrestlinginc.com) it was said that Punk was in a lot of pain backstage at Raw:

"CM Punk was backstage at Monday's Raw but was having a lot of trouble walking. Word at Raw was that Punk would be getting his knees examined this week as he really hurt it on the table elbow drop at WrestleMania 29." 

The second reason for his absence is a little more questionable though. It's understandable that WWE didn't want Punk to come off as a babyface as he would obviously get a huge pop from the crowd.

However, it's a little sadistic of WWE to actively deprive the crowd of something because they’d like it too much.

Regardless, it seems like CM Punk took time off at the right time, and we’ll see where his character goes from here on next week’s Raw. 

Follow Daniel on Twitter @dvanboom