Dave Meltzer delved into the speculation surrounding CM Punk‘s future in professional wrestling following his departure from AEW.
In the latest edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Meltzer suggested that Punk’s contract with AEW could potentially include a one-year non-compete clause. However, he also expressed doubt about the enforceability of such a clause if it were to be challenged legally.
Non-compete clauses are common in many industries, including professional wrestling, but their validity can vary depending on the jurisdiction and the specific circumstances. When Tony Khan was asked about whether Punk had a non-compete clause in his contract he refused to answer the question. Meltzer wrote:
When asked if there would be a non-compete on Punk, he said he wouldn’t comment. For what it’s worth, it is standard in a WWE contract that if a party is terminated for just cause that they have a one-year non-compete. My belief is that if such a thing was challenged in court it would be difficult to uphold for that long of a period of time unless the company would continue paying the person, particularly when you are talking about an independent contractor.
The uncertainty surrounding Punk’s future in professional wrestling is further compounded by reports of ongoing issues between him and important individuals backstage at WWE. Despite these reported issues, a potential return to WWE would undoubtedly generate immense anticipation among fans, especially as WWE enters a new era with the merger with Endeavour, the UFC parent company.
Will CM Punk Return To Wrestling?
It remains to be seen whether CM Punk will make a comeback to professional wrestling and which promotion he may align with. The existence and enforceability of a non-compete clause in his contract will undoubtedly play a significant role in determining his next move.