With reports that CM Punk is on his way back to AEW, speculation is swirling as to who his first opponent will be.
Punk hasn’t been seen in All Elite Wrestling since his participation in the now-infamous brawl with The Elite following last year’s All Out. Everyone involved in the brawl was suspended, but while Kenny Omega and The Young Bucks returned at Full Gear, Punk’s future remained in doubt.
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.
Broadcast partner Warner Bros Discovery 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 the company’s new Collision program, and it’s believed he will make his re-debut on the show’s inaugural broadcast on June 17th.
CM Punk Wants To Face Samoa Joe After Returning To AEW
A May 10th report from Fightful Select indicated that Punk was pitching for a “huge match” upon his return, and that he had an opponent in mind that wasn’t Chris Jericho. Now, Fightful Select provides an update, reporting that Punk has been pushing to face current ROH World Television Champion Samoa Joe.
According to the report, Punk has been pitching to face Joe for the “better part of a month,” and if they do have a match, it will mark the first time they’ve faced off since an August 2005 ROH fatal four way match that saw Jamie Noble crowned ROH World Champion. The two men share a storied history in Ring of Honor, and even faced off in two 60-minute draws during their time in the promotion.
Fightful Select was unable to confirm if Punk was pitching to face Joe on a one-time basis or whether there are plans for a feud between the two men. There is also no confirmation as to whether or not the proposed match will take place as AEW officials have been tight-lipped about any plans for Collision.