Jim Ross Thinks “AEW Needs CM Punk”

CM Punk is not a universally popular man in AEW but despite his issues, he has someone in his corner in the form of WWE Hall of Famer, Jim Ross.

Punk infamously laid bare his frustrations with a host of AEW talent at the post-All Out press conference in 2022 before becoming embroiled in a backstage fight with The Elite.

Since then, he has not been seen in AEW but recently reignited his problems with some in the company, taking a swipe at Chris Jericho and Jon Moxley. This pushed the normally elusive Moxley to issue his own response, saying that he was “bending over backwards” for CM Punk and Tony Khan during the summer of 2022.

With the summer of 2023 now on the horizon, AEW announced their second joint show with New Japan Pro Wrestling as Forbidden Door returns.

Speaking on his Grilling JR podcast, Jim Ross addressed the successful ticket sales for Forbidden Door before addressing his thoughts on what he’d like to see happen with CM Punk in the company:

“I think it sold out. Rafael [Morffi] called me, and I said, ‘How are things going, tickets sales wise?’ He mentioned to me that the Toronto show had sold out. That’s good. Good for the home team. All good stuff, baby. But anyway, sell-outs, good. Anytime you get a sell out, you’re doing something right. I think we’re doing something right. I just got a feeling that big things are on the way.

Getting everybody healthy again and back on the roster again is important. Of course, the whole question is gonna center around [will] CM Punk ever be back. I’m one of those guys that believe he will be back. We’ll see. I think AEW needs CM Punk because of his star power, and he brings… with controversy creates cash, and he’s certainly controversial. I’m a big fan of Phil’s. We’ll see how it works out. I’m optimistic and positive.”

Whether or not CM Punk ever does return to an AEW ring remains to be seen but there is at least one star that doesn’t want the former AEW & WWE Champion back in WWE.