Secret "real reason" why CM Punk left WWE has never been revealed, referee claims
CM Punk famously walked out of WWE before the post-Royal Rumble 2014 episode of RAW. In a recent interview, former WWE referee Marc Harris made a cryptic comment about The Best in the World's departure.
It is well known that Punk left WWE due to ongoing injuries and frustrations with the direction of his character. However, according to Harris, another detail about the popular star's abrupt exit has never been made public.
On the Cheap Heat Productions Podcast, Harris claimed he is aware of a secret reason why Punk suddenly left the company:
"It's something I really can't expose, but I know the real reason why but I really can't throw it out there right now because there's some people involved now that know. They kept it quiet, so I think it's best if I keep it quiet too." [18:57 – 19:14]
Punk returned to WWE in November 2023 after almost a decade away from the company. On October 5, he will face long-term rival Drew McIntyre in a Hell in a Cell match at Bad Blood.
Marc Harris on CM Punk's reputation
Drew McIntyre and Seth Rollins are among the wrestlers who have been outspoken about their real-life issues with CM Punk.
Earlier in the interview, Marc Harris said he never had a problem with Punk and believes some people fail to understand him:
"I think he's misunderstood. He's just one of those guys that likes [to be alone], a loner, some would say. I think that it was a right move for him to do. When he left, he pretty much had no option. I know the real reason why he left, but he had to make his point and show that he can be marketable someplace else." [17:40 – 18:14]
Harris was a WWE official between 2009 and 2014. He also refereed for TNA and Women of Wrestling (WOW).
What are your thoughts on CM Punk's 2014 exit? Hit the discuss button and let us know.
Please credit the Cheap Heat Productions Podcast and give an H/T to Sportskeeda Wrestling for the transcription if you use quotes from this article.