CM Punk's return to WWE has captivated audiences and created a genuine excitement for the product at a time that is not typically synonymous with that feeling.

It also created questions about what the best- and worst-case scenarios are for the Chicago native upon his return to the company he left on mostly bad terms in 2014.

The answers, as it turns out, are not nearly as complex as one may imagine.

Worst: History Repeats Itself

When Punk left WWE the first time, it was amid injury, burnout and creative frustration.

He had made the most (and then some) of every opportunity presented to him and elevated his star to the point that his main event stock could not be denied. But no matter how much he thrived, the company always had a reason to run with someone else.

After years of flirting with consistent main-eventing only to be shoved back into the midcard when WWE opted to run a second John Cena vs. The Rock match, reheat Randy Orton or bring back The Undertaker and Kane, a frustrated Punk walked away.

The difference is that, in 2023, there are few on the current roster whose popularity and star can rival his. Punk is as big a star as there is under the WWE umbrella, and Triple H knows it. This is not a guy fighting for time and a spot with the tail end of the deepest roster in company history.

The fact that he generated multiple millions of views for his return proves as much.

Still, his star should not be confused with his creative satisfaction. If he ends up in the same monotonous pattern he did previously or becomes unmotivated by writing that does not match his passion, he could find himself disenfranchised with the promotion.

That would be the worst-case scenario, because it was when Punk stopped caring or cared too much that he would express his frustration. If everyone works together, it's not a concern that should manifest itself.

Best: Punk Rewrites His Legacy

Right or wrong, CM Punk returned to WWE painted with the label of a disgruntled malcontent.

His departure from the company the first time, coupled with how his All Elite Wrestling run came to a screeching halt, aided in the creation of that reputation. But with his return to the company in which he grew his star, he can rewrite how fans, analysts, insiders and peers view him and his career.

Rather than be remembered for the controversies, fights and backstage blowups, the 45-year-old can ensure his work speaks loudest of all. There is a wealth of talent in WWE that he has either never worked with before or not competed against in nearly a decade.

Fresh stories and matches—and an abundance of history to build on—means he can stay busy enough for the next several years.

In a professional setting, with a former wrestler heading up creative and plenty of stories to tell, Punk has the opportunity to silence doubters and rewrite his legacy. The negative experiences will always be there, as they have been with the likes of Hulk Hogan, Shawn Michaels, Bret Hart and "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, but his career does not have to be defined by them.

The work will speak for itself and only serve to enhance all that Punk has already accomplished.