CM Punk hasn’t been seen on AEW programming since being suspended after his now-infamous brawl with The Elite following AEW All Out in 2022.
His verbal tirade in the post-All Out media scrum has become the stuff of legend, and while Kenny Omega and The Young Bucks returned from suspension at Full Gear, Punk’s future seemed far less certain. However, an April report revealed that despite continued tensions with The Elite and Chris Jericho, he was indeed on his way back to All Elite Wrestling.
In the weeks following the report, it was revealed that AEW programming was in for major changes as the company prepares to announce a new deal with partner Warner Bros Discovery. Not only have YouTube shows Dark and Dark: Elevation been scrapped, but the company is expected to announce a new Saturday program called Collision, which is set to debut on June 17th.
CM Punk Pushing For An Opponent Other Than Chris Jericho Upon AEW Return
WBD reportedly wanted Punk to return to its programming, and a recent meeting between Punk and Jericho was said to have gone well enough that sources believed they may be able to work together in the future despite their public disputes over the past year. Punk is set to feature heavily on Collision and it’s believed he will make his re-debut on the show’s inaugural broadcast in June.
It’s rumored that a program between the two men is planned, but according to a new report from Fightful Select, Punk is pushing for another return opponent. The report states that Punk is pushing for a huge match early in his return. Fightul notes that AEW has “major plans” and a “marquee match” tentatively scheduled for Collision.
There have been indications that the advent of Collision will bring about a brand split within AEW, with Punk on that show and The Elite remaining on Dynamite. However, Fightful confirms another recent report that a hard brand split isn’t the plan; instead, the idea is said to be a “fresh roster approach” with “some significant names.” Talent will reportedly be able to appear on both shows if called for.
The Fightful report also provides more backstage details on the new deal between AEW and Warner Bros Discovery that’s set to be announced on May 17th.