Well, they had to address the situation, and he wasn't there. So they did what they had to. They're a company, and getting heat (which generates interest in the product) is part of what they're supposed to do. I don't think it's trolling necessarily, which is a term where the actual irritation caused is the very point actions are taken. I say terrible things, you get angry, and that's why I said terrible things. Achievement unlocked, etc. etc.
I have little doubt that WWE is or was feverishly trying to get Punk back into the fold. Dude makes them money, no matter how much he "is" or "isn't" a company guy. They always have room for talent who show they can make money (now, giving people fair and equal opportunities to get over is another matter altogether - point is, in this case, WWE is not going to let a golden goose walk away without any effort at catching him).
But they didn't catch him as of last night, and they had to do something, yes? Look, I'm not justifying everything they do as a company, but let's not fool ourselves so much as to think they're sitting idly by while a bonafide merch-and-ticket mover has gone home. Really, the only thing that's fascinating to me is how they were so reluctant to talk about him at all until last night - whereas they openly mocked and buried Austin and Bret after the fact.
Unrelated, but I found it rather amusing since I brought up Right to Censor last night - I saw Stevie Richards at my gym this morning.
this company.
