CM Punk surprised the wrestling world by showing up backstage at the April 24th episode of WWE Raw.
This was the first time that Punk had been in attendance in any capacity at a WWE show since he left the company in acrimonious circumstances in 2014. The visit also comes just weeks before he is believed to be returning to AEW following the chaos at All Out back in September.
Punk is said to have made amends with The Miz over previous issues between the pair as well as speaking to Triple H. It has been reported that word came down from Vince McMahon that the star had to leave, and he did so without incident.
Writing in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer noted that many WWE talents said it was “weird” that he showed up, while others felt it may have been some kind of publicity stunt.
“The story was that McMahon made the call for him to leave but others weren’t sure that’s really where the decision came from, other than it was a company decision. He talked to a few others including footage that surfaced showing him in the parking lot talking to Tamina.
WWE talent generally thought it was weird he was there but was asked to leave relatively quickly,. Some thought it was a publicity stunt and some thought he was looking to get back in (legally that can’t happen right now as he’s got years left on his AEW contract) but the only person who knows why he did it was himself and this did lead to lots of speculation throughout wrestling as to why.”
CM Punk To Be Joined By “Major Debut Or Return” On AEW Collision
According to a number of reports from a number of different sources, CM Punk is due to return to AEW television on June 17th at the United Center in Chicago. That date will see the launch of AEW’s new Saturday night television show Collision. Not only is Chicago Punk’s hometown, but he also made his AEW debut in that very building.
Meltzer also noted that as well as Punk’s return the show will also feature “another major name debut or return.”
AEW is yet to make any official announcement regarding Collision. It is believed that confirmation of the new show will come on May 17th.