Let's assume, for the sake of discussion and memeing, that Punk continued his career after departing from WWE.
Probably ROH wouldn't have had the money to afford him.
Option 1: he goes to NJPW. Who would have been his best opponent?
Option 2: he goes to TNA and kills his career forever, right?
Option 3: he launches his own promotion?

Option 4: gets mugged and gaped in a dark Chicago alley