|
Post by "Evil Brood" Jackson Vanik on Jul 21, 2021 10:56:54 GMT -5
From Fightful:
One of the biggest stars of wrestling in this century could be headed back to wrestling, if all goes well. CM Punk has been in ongoing talks for a return, sources tell Fightful.
Fightful Select learned last week that CM Punk has been in talks to make a return to pro wrestling as an in-ring performer, with sources indicating that AEW is the most likely landing point. We have no confirmation of a contract officially being signed, a timetable, a set return date, or any creative plans, only that Punk and a company official have had ongoing conversations about an in-ring return.
As with any negotiations, nothing is ever fully confirmed until the deal is actually done and the subject appears on screen.
We have heard of other companies having interest in Punk coming in to work after fans returned, but have not heard of any specific offers or overtures made towards him.
Fightful has not officially confirmed this report with CM Punk himself or All Elite Wrestling officials. We have been told in recent days that higher ups in WWE believe that Punk is headed to AEW.
Punk last wrestled in January 2014 for WWE, and was released later that year. In the years that followed, he pursued a career in mixed martial arts in the UFC, where he officially has an 0-1 record with 1 no contest.
In addition to MMA, Punk has worked in commentary roles within the sport, and made his way into acting. He also appeared on WWE Backstage for approximately six months. Aside from his appearances on Backstage, he's only made two appearances in wrestling since leaving WWE -- both in very anonymous masked roles on the independent circuit.
|
|
thehottag
Don Corleone
We're here for one reason only: fame, fortune, & the World Wrestling Federation Tag Team Champions!
Posts: 1,668
|
Post by thehottag on Jul 21, 2021 11:03:17 GMT -5
I really hope they keep it under wraps, because the initial pop would be humongous.
|
|
|
Post by smokinvokoun86 on Jul 21, 2021 11:04:52 GMT -5
Not gonna hold my breath. But in modern wrestling terms he and Daniel Bryan are two of my favorite wrestlers of all time. If it happens, I will mark, no doubt.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jul 21, 2021 11:05:12 GMT -5
Have he and Colt reconciled to an extent that they could even be in the same room together?
I get that Punk is a massive star and that Colt's presence on the roster wouldn't dissuade TK from making the signing if he can, but their bad blood goes a little deeper than your typical pro wrestling feud.
|
|
|
Post by "Gizzark" Mike Wronglevenay on Jul 21, 2021 11:05:50 GMT -5
Believe it when I see it. Will also admit I was wrong when it happens.
If it does, I hope he doesn't suck!
|
|
|
Post by Finish Uncle Muffin’s Story on Jul 21, 2021 11:07:33 GMT -5
Have he and Colt reconciled to an extent that they could even be in the same room together? I get that Punk is a massive star and that Colt's presence on the roster wouldn't dissuade TK from making the signing if he can, but their bad blood goes a little deeper than your typical pro wrestling feud. Definitely my thought. I think if TK could sign Punk that Colt would have to put things aside. I wouldn’t be surprised that if this does happen that they’ve already reconciled. You don’t hear Punk talking about it much anymore.
|
|
|
Post by Finish Uncle Muffin’s Story on Jul 21, 2021 11:12:49 GMT -5
I think something else to watch for is how hard Punk shoots this down, too. He usually has no problem calling bullshit on reports.
|
|
salz4life
Grimlock
Prichard is a guy who gets that his job is to service his boss.
Posts: 13,928
Member is Online
|
Post by salz4life on Jul 21, 2021 11:16:19 GMT -5
It wouldn't shock me to learn Punk and Colt have already reconciled. It was ugly but if they were as good a friends as it seemed like they once were, anything is possible. However, it also wouldn't surprise me to learn they plan on never speaking again. So..... who knows.
|
|
|
Post by sunnytaker on Jul 21, 2021 11:18:47 GMT -5
Have he and Colt reconciled to an extent that they could even be in the same room together? I get that Punk is a massive star and that Colt's presence on the roster wouldn't dissuade TK from making the signing if he can, but their bad blood goes a little deeper than your typical pro wrestling feud. hey now kenny omega had been trying to kill colt for months and they manage to co-exist, BTE said so so it must be true
|
|
|
Post by The Rick Jericho on Jul 21, 2021 11:20:57 GMT -5
Not gonna hold my breath. But in modern wrestling terms he and Daniel Bryan are two of my favorite wrestlers of all time. If it happens, I will mark, no doubt. And in Moxley too. Bryan vs. Punk vs. Moxley in a non WWE environment? Give it to me.
|
|
|
Post by EoE: Well There's Your Problem on Jul 21, 2021 11:22:15 GMT -5
He’d be great for a curiosity bump, but I’m just not certain that he’d be a “Pass RAW in the total audience” level of consistent draw.
|
|
ASYLUMHAUSEN
Fry's dog Seymour
GIFs | Shitposts | Fun
Posts: 24,306
|
Post by ASYLUMHAUSEN on Jul 21, 2021 11:22:22 GMT -5
So…my long standing prediction is getting closer to being possible?
Huh.
Cool.
Prediction refresher; Hangman/Omega Elite/Dark Order recreate Corporation vs DX, Foley vs Rock with Punk playing the Austin role.
I mean at best Punk signing is 50/50 but still…All Out is perfect for it and that arena might shoot 6 inches in the air off its foundation if he shows up.
|
|
XIII
Bill S. Preston, Esq.
Posts: 18,377
|
Post by XIII on Jul 21, 2021 11:26:17 GMT -5
Not really sure that this would be a good long term get for AEW. While I’m sure that he would get some good buzz for his initial appearances and will almost certainly cut a shooty promo on the WWE, but after that what do you even do with him? He’s never been a workrate machine like Daniel Bryan and while he could obviously sell a feud with his promos it’s also been 7 years since he’s even wrestled and the pull that he had on people seems to not be as strong anymore.
As usual I’m probably wrong on this take, but for how much they’d likely have to pay him I’m not sure if it would be worth it for a multi year deal or anything. Maybe a one year deal with an option to extend? 🤷🏻♂️
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jul 21, 2021 11:26:59 GMT -5
He’d be great for a curiosity bump, but I’m just not certain that he’d be a “Pass RAW in the total audience” level of consistent draw. Yeah I don't really think there's any one person who will be the "pass RAW in total audience" level draw for AEW. Too many people seem to watch WWE out of habit, and WWE has emphasized brand over everything far too strongly over the last 20+ years. There's a crowd of people for whom even John Cena could show up in AEW and they would treat it as Cena taking a detour in the minor leagues, I think.
|
|
ASYLUMHAUSEN
Fry's dog Seymour
GIFs | Shitposts | Fun
Posts: 24,306
|
Post by ASYLUMHAUSEN on Jul 21, 2021 11:28:37 GMT -5
Not really sure that this would be a good long term get for AEW. While I’m sure that he would get some good buzz for his initial appearances and will almost certainly cut a shooty promo on the WWE, but after that what do you even do with him? He’s never been a workrate machine like Daniel Bryan and while he could obviously sell a feud with his promos it’s also been 7 years since he’s even wrestled and the pull that he had on people seems to not be as strong anymore. As usual I’m probably wrong on this take, but for how much they’d likely have to pay him I’m not sure if it would be worth it for a multi year deal or anything. Maybe a one year deal with an option to extend? 🤷🏻♂️ Vs Omega (the dream of dreams) Vs Mox Vs MJF Vs Sammy Vs Hangman those 5 matches/feuds alone could fill a couple years of programming if he’s working a light schedule. And a promo battle between him and MJF? Good GAWD!
|
|
|
Post by Harry The Arrow was Wrong! on Jul 21, 2021 11:30:25 GMT -5
Punk is one of my all time favourites so I'd absolutely love if this happened
|
|
|
Post by YAKMAN is ICHIBAN on Jul 21, 2021 11:32:34 GMT -5
I'm skeptical, but stranger things have happened I suppose.
Seems just as likely that WWE could hear this news and back up a few dump trucks of money to his house for a Wrestlemania main event.
OF COURSE I want to see it happen. And Bryan Danielson.
A shame Joe got scooped back up but he seems to be being used well so far in NXT at least.
|
|
|
Post by rnrk supports BLM on Jul 21, 2021 11:33:13 GMT -5
Coming out of retirement to challenge OC to a Mimosa Mayhem match, obviously.
|
|
|
Post by The Rick Jericho on Jul 21, 2021 11:35:01 GMT -5
If they get Punk and Bryan, I say AEW will have a good core of WWE guys.
Miro, Gunn, Hardy, Christian, Andrade, Jericho, Dustin, Dax, Hager, Black, Sydal, Pac, Spears, Wight and Henry.
Good core of guys who have experience working else where, that can help boost the roster and knowledge of what it's like working in WWE. It can only help the rest of the roster.
|
|
Kalmia
King Koopa
Happy to be here
Posts: 11,636
Member is Online
|
Post by Kalmia on Jul 21, 2021 11:35:54 GMT -5
I'd love this, but I'd believe it when I see him on screen.
I think Punk still has a lot to bring to wrestling and even if he's a bust, at least it will stop the "CM PUNK" chants.
|
|