WWE Extreme Rules Results: What's Next for CM Punk?

In what must have been considered just a foregone conclusion to many fans, Randy Orton defeated CM Punk Sunday night at WWE Extreme Rules. Their Last Man Standing Match was the culmination of a feud that began several months ago, and Orton has emerged as the clear winner of this rivalry.

To put it another way, CM Punk is on his way out.

When the news broke last week that Punk is reportedly considering not re-signing with WWE when his contract ends this year, I have to say I was surprised.

His run in WWE has been a good one, and despite what some fans think, I believe that he has been used in the right way. For a guy who is not a WWE creation, CM Punk has done quite a bit.

Punk is a three time World Heavyweight Champion, a guy who was different from others who have been in that spot. He actually worked hard to earn the title.

Being World Champion in this business, especially for the biggest wrestling company in the world, is a big deal. The popular belief among many fans is that the belt means nothing any more, it is given out so randomly that its value has dwindled down to the point of no return.

But I disagree with that notion. I am an old school fan, and for me the World Championship still means something, regardless of who is holding it. The guy placed at the top, whether he is a young worker whose mettle is being tested, or a veteran who is being trusted with the strap in order to sell tickets, is put in that position for a reason. I respect the title, despite the fact that I may not always respect the guy wearing it.

Punk did bring something to the championship, a different kind of swagger than other guys before him. His true to life straight edge lifestyle was a nice selling point for him, a great way to get him over as a top heel. His gimmick allowed him the ability to look down his nose at others, a perfect tactic for a heel to use to get heat with the crowd.

His character was always presented as a self-righteous cult leader or sorts, similar to Raven, but with a bigger push. This suits him, it works well for him. CM Punk has definitely found his niche.

And now, the possibility that he may be leaving WWE at some point this year is pretty disappointing to me as a fan. But, I have to say, I see his point about the road schedule, and the fact that he hasn’t really had a break since starting with WWE.

So, what is next for CM Punk? The feud with Orton is obviously over, his Nexus group is a shadow of its former self, and he is reportedly thinking of leaving.

At this point in the conversation, I assume that TNA will be on the lips of many fans as they consider Punk’s next move. After all, he conquered Ring of Honor, I don’t know that I see him going back to that.

Is TNA a good spot for him, and is he even interested in going back? As far as the fans’ perspective is concerned, the stigma of being a “WWE cast-off” can certainly not be applied to him. After all, WWE is of course not his first exposure to the business. Fans may end up hating him for going there, but not for that reason.

The biggest question when it comes to continuing his career in TNA, is obvious. Would they even know what to do with him?

How many talented guys have hit the curtain in TNA, and been given nothing for all of their efforts once they start working? Punk surely would not stand for that, would he?

The truth is, if CM Punk has been smart with his money, then he perhaps need be in no big rush to make a decision on his future if and when he leaves WWE. The road schedule that the WWE Superstars have to endure is not easy, and some time off would be good for him, to rest his body, and his mind, as well. A well deserved break may be just the thing he needs at this point.

Then again, CM Punk is a professional wrestler. Once it gets in your blood, it’s very hard to get out, especially for any extended period of time. There is every possibility that when his contract is up in WWE, he may not re-sign, choosing instead to take a break.

Of course, Kurt Angle just wanted to “take a break”, and before you could knew it, he had landed in TNA.

If Punk gets some time off, his WWE career could very well continue. If that does indeed end up being the case, then he should be built up to main event status. Some would argue that he was there this time, a notion I agreed on myself, but seeing how this feud with Orton was handled, it appears as though I was wrong.

At the end of the day, Punk ended up looking pretty weak to me, and it’s a shame, considering the time and effort put into getting his character over in the first place.

While the feud did not end in CM Punk’s favor, the truth is that if he is really leaving at some point, then he will not be put over now. The last thing a guy should do on his way out is make the guy who is staying look good. That is generally how it works, and evidently Punk versus Orton is no exception.

What is next for CM Punk? Perhaps only he can answer that.