CM Punk Latest: Is CM Punk Returning to WWE?
by Ushapriyanga
Updated Mar 31, 2023
Who is CM Punk?
CM Punk, whose real name is Phillip Jack Brooks, is an American professional wrestler, commentator, actor, and former mixed martial artist. He is currently signed to All Elite Wrestling (AEW) but is best known for his time with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). During his WWE career, Brooks held several championships, including the WWE Championship, the World Heavyweight Championship, the Intercontinental Championship, and the ECW World Heavyweight Championship. He also won the World Tag Team Championship and became WWE's 19th Triple Crown Champion in just 203 days. Brooks has headlined many WWE pay-per-view events, won several awards, including Superstar of the Year at the 2011 Slammy Awards, and was named Wrestler of the Year in 2011 and 2012 by readers of Pro Wrestling Illustrated. However, he became disenchanted with WWE and left the company in 2014. After a long hiatus from wrestling, Brooks joined AEW in 2021 and has already won the AEW World Championship twice.
CM Punk Latest: Is Cm Punk Returning to WWE?
The potential return of CM Punk to All Elite Wrestling (AEW) following his recovery from triceps surgery may be in doubt due to a backstage fight he was involved in last year. During the All Out pay-per-view event, Punk's foul-mouthed outburst as the newly crowned AEW Champion led to a physical altercation with AEW colleagues Kenny Omega and The Young Bucks (Matt and Nick Jackson), also known as The Elite. The incident, dubbed 'Brawl Out,' also involved Punk's long-time trainer Ace Steel. Steel was subsequently released by AEW in October, leading to speculation that Punk may face the same fate. Wrestling Observer's Dave Meltzer, speaking through ITR Wrestling, suggested that the altercation has made it highly unlikely that Punk will return to AEW.
Where is CM Punk Now?
Phillip Jack Brooks, also known as CM Punk, is a retired mixed martial artist, actor, sports commentator, and professional wrestler currently signed to All Elite Wrestling (AEW). On September 7th, during an episode of Dynamite, AEW President Tony Khan announced that the AEW World Championship had been vacated, which led to a tournament that ended with Jon Moxley regaining the championship. The AEW World Trios Championship, won by The Elite at All Out, was also vacated. Following the announcement, images of Punk, Kenny Omega, and The Young Bucks were removed from the opening video of AEW programming, and the four individuals did not appear on any AEW shows until The Elite's return at Full Gear on November 19, more than two months later. On September 8th, wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer reported that Punk had torn a muscle in his arm during his match at All Out and would require major surgery. While the expected recovery time was up to eight months, it was unclear what Punk's future with AEW would be, regardless of the injury.
What is CM Punk Doing Now?
In 2022, CM Punk's relationship with the wrestling industry soured even further, but according to a newly launched podcast by FTR's Dax Harwood, 2023 could see an unlikely reconciliation between Punk and his former rivals Kenny Omega, The Young Bucks, and AEW. Harwood urged all parties to work together to resolve the backstage brawl that occurred between Punk and The Elite after AEW All Out in September. Although Punk has not appeared on AEW programming since then, he has hinted at being open to mending fences with The Elite, which could revive hopes of a reconciliation. However, considering Punk's past negative remarks about AEW and the extent of the conflict, his return to AEW still seems unlikely.
CM Punk News
It is currently unclear what CM Punk's standing is with AEW, but FTR's impending free agency is still being hinted at. On the upcoming episode of "Dynamite" on April 5th, Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler will risk their AEW careers in a tag team championship match. Various people, including Eric Bischoff and Jon Moxley, have shared their thoughts on the situation with Punk, but AEW President Tony Khan has not addressed it publicly. As WrestleMania 39 takes place this weekend, a photo of FTR and Punk together has sparked speculation among the wrestling community. However, FTR is still currently with AEW, and next week's "Dynamite" will take place in Long Island.
CM Punk Comments
Booker T has weighed in on CM Punk's recent Instagram post, in which he criticized Dave Meltzer, Jon Moxley, and Chris Jericho. On his "Hall of Fame" podcast, Booker called the post "childish" and reiterated his stance on wrestlers giving away insider business on social media. He clarified that he would have criticized anyone who posted something similar, not just Punk and that he doesn't hate the former AEW World Champion. However, he believes that it's unprofessional for wrestlers in their 40s, 50s, or even late 30s to have public disputes on social media. Booker doesn't have anything against Punk personally, but he thinks that discussing behind-the-scenes aspects of the business in front of fans is a problem.
CM Punk Return
As WrestleMania season rolls on, AEW is falling further behind WWE, leading to rumors about a possible return by CM Punk as the company appears to be inching toward panic mode. After winning the AEW World Heavyweight Championship at All Out 2022, CM Punk made a dramatic exit by blasting the company, its EVPs (The Elite), Colt Cabana, and Hangman Adam Page at an AEW media scrum. Consequently, he was stripped of the title and hasn't appeared on AEW programming since then.
Tony Khan has remained silent on the issue, which has fueled rumors ranging from a contract buyout to a potential return. Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Radio suggested the latter was possible. On the recent episode of AEW Dynamite, viewership stagnated at 899,000 for the show's main event featuring The Acclaimed's controversial loss to The Gunn Club. While the show opened to 1.049 million viewers for MJF vs. Takeshita, it dropped significantly to 780,000 for the Tag Team Championship main event.
Compared to last year's viewership, which included CM Punk and Jon Moxley vs. FTR, Dynamite was down by 20% and down by 29% in the 18-49 demographic (386,000 viewers). In 2023, AEW averaged slightly below 934,000 viewers, whereas it averaged 1.032 million in its first six shows last year. In 2022, four of the first six AEW Dynamite broadcasts exceeded one million viewers, compared to only one in 2023.
CM Punk 2023
After his outburst at the post-All Out media scrum in September 2022, CM Punk has not appeared on AEW television and his absence has gone unexplained by management. Dave Meltzer provided an update on Punk's status in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, stating that he believes Punk is in a strong position due to dropping ratings in his absence. Punk himself has taken a shot at AEW's ratings on social media. Dax Harwood of FTR recently shared his opinions on Punk during an episode of the FTR with Dax podcast, sparking controversy.
CM Punk Latest: Is CM Punk Returning To WWE-FAQs
CM Punk has not been on AEW television since the post-All Out media scrum incident in September 2022.
CM Punk verbally attacked the EVPs of AEW and others, leading to a backstage brawl and various individuals being suspended.
Dave Meltzer stated in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that there is no update on CM Punk's status in AEW.
Dax Harwood shared his feelings on CM Punk on his FTR with Dax podcast, which some considered controversial.