CM Punk’s potential return to WWE has been making headlines, with rumors swirling about what could happen if he does indeed come back. The wrestling world was left in shock after his departure from AEW, and now, fans and insiders are speculating about how WWE might handle the situation. Wrestling legend Dutch Mantell recently shared some exclusive insights into what WWE could do to “punish” CM Punk if he returns.
On a recent episode of Smack Talk, Dutch Mantell delved into the possibility of CM Punk making a comeback to WWE. Mantell, a seasoned figure in the wrestling industry, believes that WWE would not allow the situation with Punk to get out of control, as it did in AEW. He suggested that the company might include a special clause in CM Punk’s contract to address any potential backstage issues before they escalate.
Mantell explained, “You mentioned Kevin Owens. Okay, if he [CM Punk] had a problem with him a year ago when all of this happened because he [went up against] The Bucks. You’ve got to put that aside, all of it. I’ve done a lot of things I didn’t want to do. But guess what? When they told me ‘[If] you don’t do it, you’re not getting paid,’ I mean he’ll get paid. And I bet something [will be] written in CM Punk’s contract. That if anything like that happens, they’re going to anticipate this. And that’s a way to almost punish him before he even gets there. I don’t think it’s going to be that big of a problem; it really won’t.”
Mantell emphasized the need for a rugged, lethal, and brutal approach in dealing with such situations, highlighting the complex nature of managing personalities in the wrestling world.
- Advertisement -
While CM Punk’s return to WWE might be a topic of interest for many fans, it appears that this homecoming may not be on the immediate horizon. In the wrestling world, the “never say never” mentality has been emphasized repeatedly. However, current reports suggest that it might not be in the cards right now, and one man, in particular, seems to be responsible for that decision.
Dave Meltzer, a trusted source in the wrestling community, reported on Wrestling Observer Radio that Vince McMahon, WWE’s chairman and CEO, decided to turn down CM Punk’s potential return. Meltzer revealed,
“They turned (CM Punk) down. He wanted to go there, and the decision was a no. It can always change, and it was brought up to me that there’s no such thing as ‘No forever’ when it comes to WWE, but it’s no for now. That was the decision that was made. It’s Vince’s decision. Vince, Nick Khan, Paul Levesque, and obviously, they decided that the negatives outweighed the positives.”
CM Punk’s return to WWE would undoubtedly be a game-changer in the wrestling world, but as of now, it seems like the door might be temporarily closed. However, in the unpredictable world of professional wrestling, one can never say never, and time will tell whether this chapter will eventually unfold.
The enigmatic figure that is CM Punk has always garnered immense attention. His departure from WWE in 2014 led to a seven-year hiatus from the squared circle, during which he ventured into various other pursuits, including a successful MMA career. However, the wrestling world exploded with excitement when Punk made his surprise debut in AEW in 2021. His return to the ring was celebrated by fans worldwide, and he embarked on a new chapter in his wrestling career.
- Advertisement -
Yet, despite the initial euphoria of his return to professional wrestling, CM Punk’s tenure in AEW had its share of challenges and controversies. From backstage tensions to in-ring rivalries, his AEW run was far from smooth sailing. Some fans and insiders speculated that these issues might have been a factor in his decision to potentially return to WWE. Dutch Mantell’s insights into WWE’s potential approach to managing these issues shed light on the company’s stance on handling talent conflicts and maintaining a harmonious backstage environment.
In the world of professional wrestling, personalities often clash, and the backstage politics can be as dramatic as the scripted storylines in the ring. WWE, being the global juggernaut that it is, has had its fair share of conflicts and controversies over the years. It’s not uncommon for the company to implement special clauses in the contracts of returning or new talents to ensure that potential issues are preemptively addressed. This practice serves the dual purpose of protecting the brand and the talent involved.
CM Punk, with his reputation for being outspoken and his previous stint in WWE, is a unique case. WWE would undoubtedly want to make his return as smooth as possible while safeguarding the interests of the company. This could involve contract clauses that stipulate how backstage conflicts should be resolved and what consequences might arise from unprofessional behavior.
- Advertisement -
The world of professional wrestling is marked by its tough, uncompromising nature. Mantell’s words about needing to be rugged, lethal, and brutal in such situations reflect the industry’s demand for a no-nonsense approach. Maintaining order in the locker room and ensuring that talent works together cohesively is a critical aspect of a successful wrestling promotion.
As for CM Punk’s future, his potential return to WWE remains a hot topic of debate. While the door may be closed for now, the wrestling world knows that in this industry, things can change in the blink of an eye. Vince McMahon, known for his shrewd decision-making, might reconsider his stance in the future. The “never say never” mentality is deeply ingrained in the wrestling culture, and fans continue to hold out hope for a day when CM Punk might once again step into a WWE ring.
CM Punk’s potential return to WWE and the measures the company might take to handle any backstage conflicts are subjects of immense interest and speculation in the wrestling world. Dutch Mantell’s insights shed light on the complexities of managing talent in this industry, and while CM Punk’s WWE return might not be on the immediate horizon, the wrestling world remains ever-vigilant, ready for the unexpected twists and turns that this unpredictable sport often brings.
