Ermaximus, Cool King, Xero, and Tazz Dan Present: Raw Thread for 07/23/12 Billy and Dolph vs. The World.

[Keith]

Originally Posted by CSL Bigger impact if he shows up "down the road" and odds are new heel CM Punk is going to need a WrestleMania opponent

Austin has said that if he was to have one more match, it'd be against Punk.

So I truly believe that Austin not appearing tonight (not even in a pre-recorded video message) was done so the focus would be on Punk's heel turn, and WWE decided to keep Austin "cool", so when he does in fact return for an angle with Punk, it'll just be madness because the WWE Universe hasn't seen him in so long.