Is CM Punk going back to WWE? Speculation has been rife in recent weeks linking CM Punk with a move back to WWE following his dismissal from AEW, but is the news true?
Here, DAZN looks at whether CM Punk will be in WWE anytime soon?
When did CM Punk leave WWE?
In 2014, following a successful period as one of WWE’s leading performers, CM Punk walked out of WWE and didn’t return. In future interviews, Punk listed a number of grievances, mainly related to his health and booking, why he had left the company and later that year, WWE made the news official.
Since his departure, Punk’s name was chanted on numerous occasions but despite the eagerness for fans to see him back, a return didn’t materialise.
What did CM Punk do after leaving WWE?
CM Punk signed for UFC in 2015 and had two fights for Dana White’s company. In September 2016, Punk was choked out by Mickey Gall and he was outpointed two years later when competing against Mike Jackson. The Jackson result was later changed to a No Contest following a failed drugs test by Jackson.
When did CM Punk return to pro wrestling?
CM Punk joined AEW in the summer of 2021 and made an immediate impact with wrestling fans. A number of impressive outings against MJF and Eddie Kingston followed before Punk won the AEW world title against Adam Page at Double or Nothing 2022.
Punk was injured shortly afterwards but kept his title with AEW installing an interim champion. Punk would lose the status to Jon Moxley when he returned later that year, but he regained the crown at All Out 2022.
Why did CM Punk leave AEW?
After winning the world title at All Out, Punk made comments about several AEW wrestlers, most notably The Elite, in the show’s post event press conference. This led to an altercation with Kenny Omega and The Young Bucks. All involved in the fracas were removed from AEW television with Punk’s absence being longer due to injury.
Punk made his comeback on the first episode of Collision, but his return was only brief. Before his match against Samoa Joe at All In at Wembley, Punk was involved in another fight, this time with Jack Perry. A few days later, Punk was released from the company.
Will Punk return to WWE at Survivor Series 2023?
With Survivor Series 2023 taking place in Chicago, Punk’s home city, a potential return to WWE would surely take place here. Punk was at an episode of Raw earlier this year reportedly to make amends with some talent, but he was asked to leave the area by Vince McMahon. It appears that Punk is willing to forgive WWE, but do they want him back?
Despite some indirect hints from talent on screen, it has been widely reported by wrestling media figures that WWE has no plans to bring Punk back. Survivor Series is fast approaching, and plans could obviously change before then, but as it stands, it doesn’t look like Punk will be in WWE anytime soon if those covering the sport are to be believed.