On the May 31st edition of AEW Dynamite, Tony Khan finally announced the return of CM Punk.
The announcement confirmed the worst-kept secret in wrestling, revealing that Punk will feature on the debut episode of Collision on June 17th. The show is set to come live from the United Center in Chicago, which is not only Punk’s hometown but the same venue where he made his AEW debut.
Punk is due to be the star of Collision when the show gets underway, and the roster is split across the new venture and Dynamite.
Much of the confusion around Punk’s return centred on Ace Steel and whether the producer would also return, and what role he would have. Interestingly, it appears that he will have a big impact, at least with regard to programs involving Punk.
Writing in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer noted that both Punk and Steel will be “heavily involved” in creative for the show, or at least will be for creative involving the former World Champion.
“The belief is Punk and Ace Steel will be heavily involved in the creative of the show. At least they will be for Punk’s stuff and the main angles and storyline on the show will revolve around him and obviously he’ll have great input into that.”
New Japan Pro-Wrestling Star Calls Out CM Punk
Hot on the heels of the announcement confirming CM Punk’s return to AEW, KENTA wasted no time in giving him a nudge on social media. The NJPW star wrote that he’s available on June 17th, as the rivalry between the pair continues.