Everybody in the wrestling world seems to think what might be ahead at AEW Rampage: The First Dance in Chicago but CM Punk has revealed he might be busy that night.
Fightful Select first reported that AEW was in talks with Punk over a return to wrestling over seven years after the former WWE Champion competed in the ring.
Fightful first said that while there is no confirmation over a contract being signed, a timetable for a return, or any kind of creative plans, they can confirm Punk has been speaking to a company about a return. Punk has also reportedly been the subject of interest from companies other than AEW since fans have begun to return to shows across the board.
Since then fans have been trying to spot easter eggs in AEW programming after Darby Allin called out those that think they are the “best in the world” and Kenny Omega wore a Cookie Monster t-shirt on Dynamite.
The biggest clue that something could be in the works with CM Punk and AEW is when the company announced that the second episode of AEW Rampage – subtitled The First Dance – will take place in the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, Punk’s hometown. Tickets for that event sold out in minutes after going on general sale with many expecting to hear The Voice Of The Voiceless in full effect.
However, in an appearance on Sunday Night’s Main Event, a coy CM Punk revealed he might have a prior engagement that evening:
“When was that? Let me look at my calendar. When did you say it was, the 20th? I think I actually might be doing a screening – this isn’t confirmed yet so I probably shouldn’t blast this out everywhere but we’re talking about doing a screening of episode three of Heels at an AMC in Chicago and that’s one of the dates that’s been proposed so hope to see everybody there.”
. @CMPunk is asked if he'll be at @AEW#Dynamite on August 20th.
–#AEW#CMPunk#AllEliteWrestling#Heels#AEWDynamite#Wrestling@TonyKhan@AEWonTNT@AgnewJasonpic.twitter.com/usLKlk7sml— Sunday Night's Main Event (@SNMEradio) August 11, 2021
Heels is the upcoming drama series to air on Starz starring Stephen Amell and Alexander Ludwig in the leading roles. The West Wing’s Mary McCormack also stars in the series that sees CM Punk play Ricky Rabies, his valet in the series is played by Bonnie Somerville who some will remember as Mona in Friends.