The time for CM Punk’s return to professional wrestling as part of All Elite Wrestling is done. Having been fired after another backstage fight at AEW All In, Punk remains on the top of the minds of fans – as everyone wants to know just what his next move will be. While he originally left WWE on bad terms in 2014 – has time healed that wound?
CM Punk & WWE Have Both Changed
When Punk originally left WWE in 2014, it was after a dispute of Punk feeling the company was pushing him to work injured. It ended in a drawn out legal battle, which also led to Punk severing ties with one of his longtime friends in Colt Cabana. However, this all played out nearly a decade ago – and the best cure for a situation like this is simply time.
Much like how Punk has changed a lot in this time, WWE is a very different company than it was in 2014. We are in a new uncharted era for the company after the TKO merger, putting WWE alongside UFC in a new company.
UFC is another place that Punk has called home – having a brief career as a fighter, and joining the commentary desk following a loss and a no-contest in the Octagon.
Jim Ross Will Miss Punk On AEW Collision – Feels Punk Has Enough Hunger To Seek Out A Big Payday
While speaking on his Grillin’ JR podcast – the Hall of Fame voice of wrestling Jim Ross had the following to say about Punk’s future.
“He’s still young enough and hungry enough, I think, to go out and grab those big paydays. I just don’t know where or when. So, you know, I mean, obviously, one would assume, and that’s all I’m doing, you would assume that CM Punk’s next destination could be WWE but there’s no guarantee of that either.
I don’t know how they left it, and then when you go through a big turnover like WWE did this week with the Endeavor thing being finalized, you never know. I’m gonna miss him because I enjoyed being around him and we have such a small crew that comes on Saturday night. It’s a pretty neat environment to be honest with you on Collision nights. A whole lot less people are there.
He’s too good not to use his skills, but I don’t know. He’s a different cat as everybody knows. That’s not a revelation either.”
Punk Has Been Staying Sharp On His Commentary Skills
Most recently, Punk has done commentary for Cage Fury Fighting Championships – staying active in the commentary role while working for AEW.
This could provide an easy way for WWE to bring Punk back into the mix, simply putting him in a commentary role on Monday Night RAW – and seeing how things play out.
One thing we learned from his time in AEW is that Punk needs to be well managed both on and off screen, and WWE’s more strict rules would ensure this happens.
It’s rare we see anything about a backstage fight within WWE – and while most backstage incidents in AEW involved Punk, they have also popped up with Andrade & Sammy Guevara.
Punk has had a certain Hall of Fame career in WWE, and could be put in as soon as next year should both parties agree. Even ignoring his accomplishments outside of WWE, he’s a multi-time world champion who once held the WWE Championship for 434 days.
What role would you like to see from CM Punk in a WWE return? Let us know what you think in the comment section down below.
SUBSCRIBE NOW: Get TheOvertimer’s Hottest Stories, Breaking News and Special Features in your email, CLICK HERE!
