Rumors are running rampant in the wrestling world surrounding CM Punk, a former 2-time AEW World Champion, and his “imminent” return to the company.
CM Punk made his highly anticipated return in Chicago back in August 2021, debuting on AEW programming for the first time. This was Punk’s first wrestling appearance since walking out of WWE in January 2014 due to creative frustrations.
Over the course of the next year, CM Punk had notable feuds against Darby Allin, MJF, “Hangman” Adam Page, and lastly Jon Moxley. Punk would win the AEW Championship once against Hangman Page at Double or Nothing before suffering an injury a few days later hopping into the crowd.
CM Punk returned from injury and was immediately inserted back into the world title picture with then-interim champion Jon Moxley. This rivalry culminated at All Out this past September, CM Punk’s final appearance for the company to date, where he defeated Moxley and became a 2-time AEW Champion… but that wasn’t the most notable moment of the evening.
Following his world championship victory in the main event, CM Punk was a guest on AEW’s All Out post-media scrum. For the first 35 minutes, Punk used the microphone time to personally attack Kenny Omega and the Young Bucks, Hangman Page, and mention personal issues with former friend Colt Cabana. After he got off the podium, he was confronted by Kenny Omega and The Young Bucks, the Executive Vice Presidents of AEW, where a brawl ensued backstage. This led to Tony Khan stripping his top talent of their AEW World and Trios Championships and suspending all four, amongst others who participated in the real life fight.
Since, Kenny Omega and the Young Bucks have all returned. A close friend of CM Punk, Ace Steele, has left the company. Now it appears the Cult of Personality might come back to AEW.
The locker room appears split on the issue. Locker room leaders like Chris Jericho would prefer Punk remain away from the company. Jericho was amongst those who had to pick up the pieces from All Out, rally the troops, and put on great shows in the midst of AEW’s worst publicity moments.
Reigning AEW Tag Team Champions FTR (Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler) are among those who have been vocal about wanting Punk back. Dax went on his podcast, FTR with Dax, predicting a trios match pinning The Elite against CM Punk and FTR would sell a lot of tickets at AEW’s All In show at Wembley Stadium this August.
Time will tell if these rumors come to fruition and CM Punk returns to All Elite Wrestling, or the industry in general. AEW’s next appearance in Chicago is June 21st for Dynamite. One would imagine this is the return date, especially if they want him in a match one year after his fall from grace.
Michael Davis and Shannon Smith cover more on CM Punk’s pending return to AEW on this week’s Drop the Mike Wrestling Podcast on Tobacco Road Sports Radio.
Follow us on Social media for the latest news on Pro Wrestling
Facebook: SportsCarolina Monthly
Twitter: SportsCarolina Monthly and Michael Davis
