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Highwayman
Optimistically assuming Bryan is a main event level guy more often than not from hereon out, Punk's decision to walk away when he did could turn out to be one of the most important turn of events in recent WWE history.
When Stone Cold left (both from injury and by his own volition) it opened up things for the entire upper half. Whether it was Rock, HHH, Jericho, Kurt Angle...they got their chances during time when Austin was away.
In a much lesser sense, with Punk leaving, it opens the floor for someone to take his spot.