Mick Foley reveals why Punk had to leave the WWE in 2014 and why Punk told fans recently that the WWE is his home. "Mrs. Foley's Baby Boy" discussed the circumstances of Punk's WWE exit on an episode of The Bump. Foley explained:

“I remember getting a text from Punk when he left after the Rumble [in 2014]. He was upset, and he and I were pretty close back then. He said, ‘I’ve realized the only way to really make it there, to earn your respect, is to go somewhere else, and then come back.’ He did. It was what, nine years ago? Ten years next month. He’s bigger than ever. No denial of his talent, and that he is going to raise people. People are going to want to not only hang with him, but whether they realize it or not, impress him, and that’s how levels get raised.”

H/T Ringside News

Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder

This is an interesting take on things but one that matches up with the experiences of several WWE Superstars who left the promotion, found success elsewhere, and returned to the WWE to reach new heights. The biggest example is Drew McIntyre, whose can't-miss push in the WWE somehow did miss. Drew was released and rebuilt himself in other promotions such as EVOLVE and TNA-Wrestling. McIntyre's return saw him slowly pushed until he eventually became a main eventer, capturing the WWE Championship two times.

Another example is Christian, who enjoyed a push as an upper-card in the WWE but always seemed to fall short of the main event. That changed after Christian worked in TNA-Wrestling, showing he was more than Edge's tag team partner. Although Christian's WWE return did not lead to a permanent spot in the main event, his second run in the company was more successful, including two reigns as World Heavyweight Champion.

Does CM Punk's Story Fit the Narrative?

However, does CM Punk's story fit the narrative of a guy who exited the WWE and proved himself before returning to the WWE? While CM Punk enjoyed some success in AEW, his run in the company was plagued by injuries and backstage troubles.

Even if you go with the idea that Punk did succeed in AEW, is his WWE return the comeback story that's being depicted? A critic could argue that Punk's return is more one of necessity as he has no other major promotion to work in. There's also a viable argument that Punk's return is something he needs to prove to himself (rather than the WWE) that he still has it.

In the long run, no one may care what the reasons are for Punk's return if his early success translates into long-term success. What do you think of Mick Foley's revelation? 

Photo Credit: WWE