After months of speculation, Tony Khan announced on Dynamite that CM Punk will indeed be returning to All Elite Wrestling on the debut episode of Collision.
While fans have given the news a mixed reception, many are already speculating on what matches and rivalries the star could get involved in once he’s back.
One man who’s had an idea is NJPW star KENTA, who is apparently available on June 17th, the date of Punk‘s comeback.
“I’m free on June 17th.”
I’m free on June 17th. https://t.co/Pi6Ksy29mu
— KENTA aka Lil’K (@KENTAG2S) June 1, 2023
This isn’t the first time KENTA has teased a match with CM Punk
The NJPW star has been angling for a match with Punk for years. His animosity with Punk comes down to the fact the former World Champion “stole” his finishing move, the GTS.
The Bullet Club member immediately laid down a challenge when Punk returned to wrestling in 2021 after a seven-year absence, saying “It’s official. Give me Punk”
Punk ignored his insults and challenges for several months before being asked about him in an interview with ComicBook.com ahead of the first cross-promotional Forbidden Door event in 2022. When asked if he would take up the offer, Punk simply said “no.”
The former Hideo Itami responded by calling the answer “garbage.”
“Hahaha. Perfect answer. Zero interest and keep using MY finish. What a garbage [three laughing face emojis].”
Hahaha. Perfect answer.
Zero interest and keep using MY finish.
What a garbage 😂😂😂 https://t.co/tfCGN7s7yVpic.twitter.com/kmtRPXnDER— KENTA aka Lil’K (@KENTAG2S) May 11, 2022
The latest barb came after Punk attended NJPW Battle In The Valley where Lil’K defeated Fred Rosser to become the STRONG Openweight Champion. Following the show, he once again took to social media to take a shot at the star.
“I heard that my biggest fan in the world came to arena last night. I hope he enjoyed REAL Go2Sleep.”
With Punk now back on the scene and the second edition of Forbidden Door taking place just over a week after his return, it’s possible KENTA might make his own All Elite Wrestling return for the dream match to finally take place.