WWE Speculation: Chris Jericho Returning, CM Punk Leaving?

Last night on Dancing With The Stars, Chris Jericho was eliminated from the competition. He made it to the top seven, which, in my mind, is admirable for someone with pretty much no dancing experience, but enough about that.

The real question on everyone's mind is if and when Jericho will make his return to WWE. 

Fans have been clamoring for the best in the world at what he does to get back in the ring after the recent exits of Shawn Michaels and Edge.

Jericho's star power is undeniable, as he has landed numerous gigs outside the wrestling world. He hosted a game show for its first and only season and he hosted an awards show earlier this year.  There are even reports that he will be touring with Metallica this summer. 

Can someone say multitasker?

Jericho's eventual return will be a day of joy for WWE fans, as he is someone whom both the fans and the company can look to in order to provide high quality matches, promos and storylines.

Jericho's return is not the only thing being talked about, though. CM Punk may be leaving WWE sooner than anyone would have predicted.

PWInsider.com reported earlier in the week that contract negotiations with Punk have stalled and he may not renew his contract when his current deal expires.

Punk shot to stardom quickly in the WWE, quickly becoming the most popular wrestler on the now-defunct ECW brand.  His reputation from the independent circuit followed him to the WWE and he was soon thought of as a solid performer and good on the mic.

With Punk not having held a title in quite some time, some are saying he is unhappy with his place in the company.  The former three-time Straight Edge world champion seems to have the same problem as Jack Swagger and Sheamus: After getting pushed hard, he fell to the wayside.

If Punk leaves, his exit will leave a gap in the WWE's current stock of heel wrestlers.  Punk has his critics, but many people have called him the best villain on TV right now, and his mic work is on par with anyone in the company right now.

After being made the leader of the Nexus, it looked as if Punk was going to find some success again, but his group was decimated by Randy Orton and he lost two times in a row to the Viper.

If Punk does not renew his deal, then WWE will lose another talent that they have spent considerable money building up into a star.

I highly doubt we would see Punk make a return to TNA if he leaves WWE, but a return to his homeland of Ring of Honor could be the best option for him.  He could help the smaller independent promotion gain some more exposure with his current popularity.

I personally hope Punk renews his deal and stays for a long time because he is a unique talent.  He can fly from the top ropes, mat wrestle with the likes of Regal and Bryan and he has one of the most magnetic personalities in wrestling today.

As far as Jericho is concerned, you would be hard-pressed to find many wrestling fans who don't want to see him return.