CM Punk’s long-awaited return to WWE at Survivor Series 2023 was a watershed moment in wrestling lore, marking the end of his nearly decade-long hiatus from the company. However, the road to this celebrated comeback began with a surprising twist months earlier. Backstage at a WWE event in Chicago, where Punk’s presence stirred a whirlwind of reactions from his current employer, AEW, and former colleagues alike, tensions and speculations ran high.
Punk’s return not only electrified fans worldwide but also ignited intense discussions within the wrestling community. His journey back to WWE after years of absence brought forth a blend of nostalgia and curiosity, with pundits and enthusiasts alike dissecting every angle of his career trajectory. The Chicago native’s reentry into WWE’s fold was not just a personal milestone but a seismic event that reshaped the landscape of professional wrestling, stirring emotions and memories that spanned both his storied past and his uncertain yet promising future.
In April 2023, during his tenure with AEW, CM Punk made a surprise appearance backstage at a WWE show in his hometown. This move raised eyebrows and reportedly left AEW feeling “betrayed,” as Punk navigated the delicate line between reconnecting with friends and sparking speculation about his future plans.
Among the notable encounters during this visit was a reconciliatory conversation with The Miz, a former WWE Champion and longtime colleague from Punk’s initial WWE stint. The Miz, reflecting on their unexpected reunion, shared details during an appearance on Unlikely with Adrian Hernandez:
“Yeah, it was in Chicago, and I was just walking down the stairs, and he was standing there. We just locked eyes. Remember, he left a long time ago and has never been back, right, and it always felt like it was a ‘never going to happen’ type of thing. To see him backstage, I was like, ‘What?'”
The Miz described their interaction as a moment where old tensions dissolved, allowing them to “bury the hatchet” after years of professional and personal history in the ring.
CM Punk’s Return and Current WWE Dynamics
CM Punk’s return to WWE programming has been a mix of nostalgia and renewed rivalries. Since his return, Punk has engaged in a high-profile feud with Drew McIntyre, culminating in a dramatic altercation on WWE Raw in Ottawa. During this segment, Punk expressed his desire to face McIntyre, prompting Seth “Freakin” Rollins to interject with a warning of his own.
Rollins, aggrieved by Punk’s interference in a title match at Money in the Bank, made it clear that he was targeting Punk once he returned from injury. Punk, who sustained a triceps injury that required surgery, has been sidelined but is expected to make a comeback, potentially at SummerSlam.
Insights and Speculation
Punk’s journey back to WWE has not only reignited old rivalries but also sparked curiosity about his future plans within the company. With both positive and contentious moments surrounding his return, fans and insiders alike await Punk’s next moves in the ring.
As the wrestling world anticipates CM Punk’s full recovery and subsequent matches, his presence continues to be a focal point of WWE’s narrative, blending nostalgia with fresh storylines that captivate audiences worldwide.
