CM Punk could ‘make WWE return at Survivor Series’ in Chicago after AEW sacking… but not all talent behind the scenes would welcome his comeback
CM Punk could ‘make WWE return at Survivor Series’ in Chicago after AEW’s firing…but not all behind-the-scenes talent would welcome his comeback
- CM Punk could return to the WWE series in November
- The 44-year-old had his AEW contract torn up after a backstage brawl
- Punk has not been seen in the WWE for nine years and is reportedly eager to return
CM Punk could be lining up to make a shock return to WWE as the saga surrounding his departure from AEW continues to drag on.
The 44-year-old was released by All Elite Wrestling after a backstage brawl at Wembley last month, but it appears the former UFC fighter isn’t ready to be done with professional wrestling just yet.
WWE will return to Punk’s hometown of Chicago in late November for “Survivor Series,” and rumors are circulating that the company may be bringing back the five-time world champion.
Mail Sport understands that Punk still wants a return to WWE – as Dave Meltzer suggested ten months ago – and is still drawn to the idea of headlining a WrestleMania.
However, WWE is concerned about bringing Punk back and is wary of disrupting the locker room. While not all of the talent is against him returning, there are certainly a few vocal people who are.
CM Punk could be lining up to return to the WWE after leaving his role with AEW last month
Punk (left) has not been seen on the WWE since he left under controversial circumstances nine years ago
Punk previously enjoyed a 434-day reign as WWE Champion and became a fan favorite during his time with the company
The main factor likely to decide his return is whether WWE Chairman Vince McMahon believes bringing the star back will help make more money from upcoming events.
McMahon has always put business first and would probably cherish the idea. Punk allegedly had a brief conversation with Triple H when he visited a WWE show backstage in April.
Would The Game like to bring Punk back? That’s a bigger question. But McMahon would have the last word, especially with the UFC merger soon to be confirmed.
The 78-year-old has always sought to cash in on storylines that can generate new revenue streams, and bringing Punk back into the WWE fray in his hometown could be an opportunity not to be missed.
AEW boss Tony Khan has not commented on whether a non-compete clause is included in Punk’s termination, so it’s unclear at this stage whether it would be clear for him to join WWE.
However, with releases or mutual terminations, a non-compete clause (usually 90 days) is more common. A direct shot, less. For what it’s worth, there must have been 82 days between Punk’s firing and Survivor Series.
WWE manager Triple H previously shared a strained relationship with Punk when the pair shared the ring
Punk is eager to make his WWE return and could get the chance to do so during the upcoming ‘Survivor Series’
WWE Chairman Vince McMahon could be trying to cash in on Punk’s popularity with the WWE crowd
His last WWE appearance came at the Royal Rumble nine years ago and was followed by an immediate departure from the company, with Punk ultimately filing a lawsuit after revealing the reasons for his departure.
He expressed concerns about alleged medical negligence and additionally highlighted frustration at being left in the pecking order for pay-per-view events, while also maintaining strained relationships with the likes of John Cena and Triple H.
Punk also scolded Vince McMahon for sending his discharge papers on his wedding day.
A failed venture into the UFC followed before joining the AEW roster three years ago, with his return to wrestling being celebrated by the wrestling community as his popularity remained strong after his title stint in WWE.