The wrestling world is buzzing with anticipation as one of the most controversial stars in the industry, CM Punk, is set to make his comeback.
CM Punk, the former WWE superstar and AEW world champion, has been absent from the ring since September 2022 when he suffered a triceps injury and was involved in a backstage brawl with some of the top executives of AEW.
CM Punk wins the AEW World Heavyweight Championship for the first time at Double or Nothing 2022. Despite everything that happened during the time, this was an incredibly emotional moment. From coming back at The First Dance to champion ❤️ pic.twitter.com/UGEOVDnEq3
— Teffo (@Teffo_01) May 14, 2023
However, according to recent reports, Punk’s return to AEW could be announced in the next few days as part of a new weekly show called AEW Collision.
When will CM Punk return to AEW?
According to Andrew Zarian of Wrestling Observer, Punk’s return to AEW is expected to be announced in the coming days. This coincides with the announcement of a new weekly show called AEW Collision, which will air on Saturday nights on TNT starting from June 17th.
Expect CM Punk's return to AEW to be announced in the coming days.
More on this on @WLPF4W today at 4pm ET https://t.co/GAYEGyEG60 pic.twitter.com/VMzmZ2mKja
— Andrew Zarian (@AndrewZarian) May 16, 2023
The show will be held in Punk’s hometown of Chicago, Illinois, and will reportedly be dubbed ‘The Second Coming,’ referring to Punk’s return.
What happened to CM Punk?
CM Punk shocked the wrestling world when he debuted in AEW in 2021 after a seven-year hiatus from the business. He quickly became one of the most popular and influential figures in the company, winning the AEW world title at All Out in a classic match with Jon Moxley.
CM Punk became a 2x AEW World champion at All Out 2022 🏆 pic.twitter.com/8xk4qvWTEk
— Teffo (@Teffo_01) May 15, 2023
However, things took a turn for the worse at the post-show press conference when Punk went on an unscripted rant against several people in AEW, including Kenny Omega and The Young Bucks, who were also executive vice presidents of the company.
I still go back and rewatch the All Out scrum from time to time because it was pure entertainment.
If you look at this in a vacuum, this was so in character for CM Punk.
It was the most CM Punk a 20-some minute interview could be.
I hope he returns literally as this on TV. pic.twitter.com/LHZRLHqzSA
— Captain Ferg Baba Ganoosh (@CaptainFerg) May 17, 2023
This led to a physical altercation between Punk and the trio, resulting in all four men being suspended indefinitely by AEW president Tony Khan.
While Omega and The Young Bucks eventually returned to AEW after settling their differences, Punk remained on the sidelines due to a triceps tear he sustained during his match with Moxley. Punk also had some issues with other AEW stars.
Who will CM Punk face in AEW?
One of the most intriguing questions surrounding Punk’s return is who he will feud with within AEW. There are several potential opponents for him, but one name stands out above the rest: Samoa Joe.
I’d like to see all of these in AEW before CM Punk retires 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/Is0uf73DQy
— Patrick The Heel (@patricktheheel) May 8, 2023
Joe is another former WWE star who joined AEW after being released by WWE due to budget cuts. Joe is currently competing in the Ring of Honor, as Tony Khan purchased ROH.
What does CM Punk’s return mean for AEW?
CM Punk’s return to AEW is a huge deal for both the company and the fans. Punk is one of the most popular figures in wrestling history, with a loyal fan base that draws attention wherever he goes.
His presence will boost AEW’s ratings, merchandise sales, and overall buzz. He will also bring more credibility and star power to AEW Collision, which is set to be a major addition to AEW’s programming.
CM Punk’s return to Dynamite in 2022 was explosive pic.twitter.com/pEL02oOFBC
— Teffo (@Teffo_01) May 14, 2023
However, Punk’s return also comes with some challenges and risks. Punk is known for being outspoken and unpredictable, which could cause some problems backstage or on air. He also has high expectations for himself and his opponents, which could lead to clashes or disappointments.
Regardless of these factors, CM Punk’s return to AEW is something that every wrestling fan should be excited about. He is one of the most talented and captivating performers ever to step foot in a ring, always delivering memorable moments and matches. His comeback will add more spice and drama to an already hot product that is AEW.