Amidst speculation about his future in the world of professional wrestling, it seems that CM Punk’s potential return to WWE isn’t garnering universal support among the company’s top stars. His recent departure from All Elite Wrestling (AEW) has ignited conversations about his next move, and WWE remains a topic of interest.
Mike Johnson of PW Insider, revealed that several prominent WWE stars were firmly opposed to the idea of Punk making a comeback in the company. In fact, some of them were skeptical that such a return could even materialize.
While opinions on Punk’s return to WWE varied, there were those who recognized the financial potential in bringing the controversial and popular figure back into the fold. However, these views were balanced by the acknowledgment that the final decision was not in the hands of the superstars but rested with WWE’s management.
In a recent interview, WWE Hall of Famer Booker T provided a definitive response when asked about the possibility of CM Punk returning to WWE. He stated,
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“No, I don’t think so at all. I don’t see that happening. Go back and look at some of CM Punk’s quotes about WWE over the last seven-eight years. Nothing, man, nothing nothing positive. And my think was I always said, you never know when you might want to cross that bridge again. You just never know. And to think that that might be the company you’re gonna stay at forever, that’s kinda like wishful thinking.”
Punk, a former WWE champion, had not competed for the company since his abrupt exit after the 2014 Royal Rumble. His debut for AEW in August 2021 was accompanied by a promo that addressed some of the reasons behind his departure from professional wrestling seven years prior. In the promo, he expressed that staying in the same place that had led to his physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional struggles was no longer an option.
While Punk had remained distant from WWE for several years, he made a few notable appearances within the company. He appeared on FS1’s WWE Backstage show in 2019 and made a backstage appearance before an episode of Raw in Chicago on April 24, which ignited speculation about a potential return.
Punk’s recent departure from AEW was marked by an investigation into an incident with Jack Perry that took place backstage at All In on August 27. This incident marked the second high-profile altercation in which Punk was involved within the past year. Previously, he had a physical altercation with Kenny Omega and The Young Bucks in the locker room at All Out 2022, stemming from issues he had with some of AEW’s executive vice presidents, including Omega and The Bucks.
Punk was absent from television for nine months following the locker room brawl, during which he also recovered from a torn triceps sustained during his match with Jon Moxley in the main event of the pay-per-view.
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Upon his return, Punk became a focal point of AEW programming and was positioned as the top star on Collision when the show debuted on June 17. His final match in AEW was a victory over Samoa Joe at All In to retain the “real world championship.”
In addition to the Punk-WWE speculation, there is also positive news on the injury front for WWE Superstar Liv Morgan. Morgan has been sidelined since June due to a shoulder injury, and her return to in-ring action is eagerly anticipated. She is expected to meet with doctors for a follow-up examination in Birmingham, Alabama, signaling progress in her recovery.
Morgan‘s absence stemmed from an attack by Rhea Ripley that took place before their scheduled match on the July 24 episode of Raw. The attack, which targeted Morgan’s left arm, effectively wrote her off television. Morgan had previously revealed that she had suffered a “torn shoulder” and had been absent from in-ring competition for six weeks.
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With Morgan’s eventual return, the women’s division on Raw stands to gain a significant boost, as she can potentially become a top star or contribute to the women’s tag team division, which currently faces a dearth of depth.
Lastly, Zoey Stark’s journey in WWE is taking an upward trajectory. Despite her alliance with Trish Stratus coming to an end, Stark’s future in the company appears promising. WWE officials have been closely monitoring Stark since her signing in 2021, recognizing her resilience following a knee injury and her impressive performances on Main Event, which led to her Royal Rumble appearance.
In a rapid ascent to the main roster, Stark joined Raw in April as part of the 2023 draft. Her involvement in a high-profile feud against Becky Lynch showcased her potential, and WWE’s trust in her was evident as she became a key part of the women’s division storyline on the red brand.
Stark’s next steps within WWE are yet to be revealed, but her contribution to the promotion’s women’s division indicates a bright future ahead. Her versatility and athleticism have garnered significant attention, and she is poised to make her mark in WWE.
This news encapsulates the diverse landscape of the professional wrestling world, marked by potential returns, injuries, and promising new talent on the rise.
