WWE Could Renew CM Punk’s Contract This Month (But Would They?)
CM Punk (aka Phil Brooks) said he retired January 27, 2014, although he still then had until July 17 before his contract with WWE expires. In fact, because he is still officially in the WWE roster until Thursday of next week, some die-hard fans continue to hope that he'd reconsider and return to the ring anytime soon.
Technically, it seems legally possible for WWE to automatically renew CM Punk's contract upon its expiration because of a clause in the original deal agreement, should it opt to. However, according to a Wrestling Observer Newsletter report cited by Fanside, "it seems as if WWE will cut ties with the former champion, and Punk will be able to find work anywhere else he wants to using the moniker 'CM Punk'."
According to a news item from SBNation, CM Punk will be co-hosting the Gibson Brands Alternative Press Music Awards at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in Cleveland, Ohio, which will be aired on AXS TV on July 21, right opposite Monday's RAW episode in Miami, Florida. Had WWE wanted to renew CM Punk's contract to prevent him from working elsewhere, it should have taken legal action. Since it did not, it does seem that Punk has flown the coop.
CM Punk will be co-hosting the music award program with Juliet Simms, the front woman for the "Automatic Loveletter" band and a former "Voice" contestant. The two will be interviewing celebrities for the AXS TV red carpet pre-show segment.
On his approaching new gig outside of pro wrestling, CM Punk tells fans, "Well, I'm actually stoked to get out of the house and get gussied up for the first-ever Gibson Brands AP Music Awards, fueled by Monster Energy Drink. Red carpets and me don't mix, so I figure it'll be a perfectly hilarious night with friends and a live microphone - my favorite! Be there and be square!"
