CM Punk might be closing in on a return to AEW, but Tony Khan remains keen to give little away.
On the May 24th episode of Dynamite, it was announced that the first episode of Collision on June 17th will be coming live from the United Center in Chicago. This announcement all but confirmed that CM Punk will be part of the show after it had been rumoured for weeks that the show will be the site of his big return.
However, despite Punk’s comeback being something of an open secret, there has been no confirmation of his return. This tactic mirrors how the company handled his debut in August 2021, which also took place at the same venue.
At the post-Double or Nothing press conference, Tony Khan was asked whether Punk would be coming back. Unsurprisingly, the AEW boss refused to confirm or deny the speculation, simply talking up the debut of the new show instead.
“I am not prepared to address that question at this time,” Khan responded. “I think that’s something a lot of people want to know. As we get closer to the launch of Saturday Night Collision, on June 17, I think more and more things will come into focus about that show. Tickets are on sale for the United Center right now. We’re off to a great start with the initial sales, and I think it’s only going to get stronger.”
Khan went on to compare the debut episode of Collision to “Rampage, The First Dance,” where Punk made his debut, claiming that it will be one of the biggest shows of the year.
“It could be one of the biggest TV shows of the entire year in terms of revenue, I expect, and also one of the most important TV shows of the year for AEW,”
“Legal Stuff” Around CM Punk Has Been Resolved
The comments from Khan come after it was reported that much of the “legal stuff” around the controversial former World Champion has been resolved. It was revealed that NDAs were involved, and AEW ensured it was protected should Punk not appear at any shows going forward.
H/t to WrestlingInc