Controversy seems to never be too far away where CM Punk is concerned.
The star hasn’t appeared on AEW television since September 2022, but he remains a hot topic of conversation. Since taking an enforced break from the ring there have been conflicting reports about his presence and role backstage in AEW.
While the likes of Dax Harwood have spoken positively of the star it was claimed that after All Out Chris Jericho told Punk he was a “cancer to the locker room, and a detriment to the company.” There have also been reports that Jericho was among a number of top AEW stars who assured the locker room that Punk wouldn’t appear for the company again.
Even Seth Rollins got in on the act in the lead-up to the Royal Rumble when asked about Punk potentially returning to WWE. Rollins said that the star was a “cancer” and warned him to stay away from both himself and the company.
In a new post on social media, CM Punk has now had a little fun with these reports. On his Instagram Stories Punk shared a comic of Danhausen stealing some lemonade. The former AEW Champion added the caption “@danhausenad is cancerous to america and really didn’t pay for lemonade, he is blackballed – WON”
“WON” being a reference to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
Is CM Punk Returning To AEW?
CM Punk signed with All Elite Wrestling in August 2021, but his career with the promotion appeared to be in jeopardy a little over a year later. Speaking at the post-All Out media scrum, Punk launched a verbal assault against a number of AEW stars before being involved in a brawl backstage. All involved were suspended pending an investigation but everyone apart from Punk, and Ace Steel who has left the company altogether, has since returned to work.
During his match at All Out, Punk suffered a serious triceps injury that required surgery. This would have kept him out of the ring following All Out regardless of any suspension.
However, it was recently reported that Punk would soon be “available” to return should AEW want to use him. But fans’ hopes were quickly dashed by a further report which stated that no fences have been mended between Punk and The Elite.