How CM Punk's strained relationship with WWE led to his departure in 2014?

At the Survivor Series WarGames 2023 Premium Live Event, CM Punk made an incredible comeback to the world of professional wrestling, entertaining fans along the way. The Second City Saint returned to the WWE after almost nine years away, a move that many had assumed he would never make.

3 things you need to know 

• CM Punk last appeared in WWE in 2014 
• CM Punk appeared during the last moments of the WWE Survivor Series 
• Randy Orton also returned to WWE in the Survivor Series 

Also Read: WWE Survivor Series Full match card

The Lingering Question: Why Did CM Punk Leave WWE?

The topic of Punk's first departure from WWE comes up again as the WWE Universe celebrates his triumphant comeback. Punk, who debuted in the ECW in 2006, rose to fame as a cult figure with a fan base equivalent to that of John Cena very quickly. But Punk was forced by WWE to vent his displeasure due to creative restrictions, which were most evident in his notorious Pipebomb Promo.

A year ago, during a post-media scrum with AEW, Punk discussed his time in the WWE and expressed regret about unrealized potential. CM Punk said: 

"I feel almost that the 10 years that I spent in WWE was wasted. Because I feel it is Management, Owner, Booker, whoever's job, is to get the most out of all the talent. I feel that I never [reached my full potential]. I reached the potential that I could have given the limitations they constantly put on me," 

When Punk defeated Alberto Del Rio in 2011, he went on to have an incredible 434-day reign as the WWE Champion. But even with this success, he felt he was never given the encouragement he needed. His championship reign culminated in WrestleMania 28, although he was left out of the main event, which included John Cena and The Rock.

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Triple H's Perspective on CM Punk's Return

CM Punk had long-standing disagreements with Vince McMahon and Triple H, two WWE executives. Several people thought he would never step back into the WWE ring after his 2014 departure. But the story has changed with his sudden homecoming.

Regarding Punk's comeback, Triple H underlined that WWE will go in that way if their fans want it. He said that since their previous disagreements, Punk and he had both changed as people.

The Chief Content Officer made it clear that Punk's choice to make a comeback was decided by him and WWE CEO Nick Khan, not in response to outside pressure. He alluded to certain shocks from the executives of TKO Group Holdings.

Fans excitedly anticipate the next chapters of Punk's journey, awaiting the feuds and storylines that will mould this incredible comeback, even though his future in the WWE is still unclear.