After CM Punk, Another Controversial Star Could Return To WWE
CM Punk walked away from WWE in January 2014, right after the Royal Rumble event.
He was burned out from creative frustrations, unfulfilled promises, and ignored health issues like concussions, which led him to part ways with the company after airing his grievances in a raw podcast interview that stunned the wrestling world.
Fans thought that was it for The Best in the World. Yet, nearly a decade later, Punk shocked everyone by returning at Survivor Series in November 2023, in his hometown of Chicago.
Former UFC star Ronda Rousey also had her own messy exit in October 2023 after a stellar run that included two Royal Rumble wins and multiple titles due to creative frustrations and health concerns.
Her final match in WWE came at SummerSlam on August 5, 2023, an MMA Rules loss to close friend Shayna Baszler, her ex-tag team partner.
Ronda Rousey Could Return To WWE
Bazler recently appeared on Chris Van Vliet’s Insightpodcast, where she was asked if Ronda is done with the Stamford-based promotion.
Drawing on the example of CM Punk, she speculated that Ronda and WWE could mend their relationship, opening the possibility of Ronda rejoining WWE despite their previous conflicts.
“I never think Ronda is done. She’s a crazy person. I don’t know. She loves being a mom. It would take a bit, but CM Punk came back. Ronda Rousey can come back.”
Bazler was released from her WWE contract in August 2025, despite having years left on it.