Highlights
- CM Punk is reportedly in talks with WWE for a potential return, although no deal has been finalized yet.
- The most likely landing spot for Punk's return would be at this year's Survivor Series in his hometown of Chicago.
- Despite Punk's controversial departure from WWE almost a decade ago, recent evidence suggests that there is a chance for reconciliation between him and the company.
After what might have been the wildest couple of years in recent wrestling history, it's hard to imagine there are still ways in which the business will be able to surprise us. Well, brace yourself. One month after CM Punk's AEW contract was terminated following an altercation with Jack Perry backstage at All In, there are now pretty solid reports claiming The Second City Saint is not only keen to return to WWE, but that he has already been in talks with the promotion.
CM Punk In Talks With WWE
That's according to the latest edition of Wrestling Observer Newsletter (subscription required). "Those in WWE have only said that no deal is completed and those close to Punk have told us that it is his intention to return and the two sides are in talks," the newsletter reads. So nothing is set in stone just yet, but apparently Punk and WWE have already discussed a potential return.
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It's noted after that the most logical landing spot for Punk should he return to WWE would be this year's Survivor Series. The tentpole premium live event will take place in Punk's hometown of Chicago, almost guaranteeing a good reaction if his music hits. Considering the way he left AEW, and what happened in the year building to his departure, Punk getting a positive reaction in an arena filled with wrestling fans isn't necessarily a guarantee anymore.
Punk's WWE Departure
Punk left WWE almost a decade ago, walking out on the company after his final appearance at the 2014 Royal Rumble PLE. The months that followed were messy ones. WWE officially fired Punk on his wedding day, and the two would do battle in court after Punk made some pretty damning accusations against the company's doctor and medical team. However, if there is a way back, it certainly wouldn't be the most burned bridge between WWE and a former Superstar to be rebuilt.
There's also far more recent evidence proving the situation between Punk and WWE isn't an unsalvagable one. Before returning to AEW TV over the summer, Punk showed up backstage at Raw, bumping into Superstars on a place to Chicago and tagging along to say hello to some old friends. Triple H reportedly didn't have a problem with Punk being there, but he was escorted from the building a short while after, possibly upon the request of Vince McMahon.
As much trouble as Punk causes wherever he goes, I think WWE would be fools to pass up on an opportunity to bring him back in. The man sells tickets and merch, and if kept on a part-time deal, he won't be backstage often enough to cause any problems. Maybe those recent Seth Rollins teases actually mean something after all.
