Promoter Confirms Bid To Sign CM Punk Before WWE Return
CM Punk didn’t just hold talks with WWE in 2023.
When CM Punk was unceremoniously fired by AEW following his backstage fight with Jack Perry, his wrestling future appeared uncertain.
A move outside of the United States seemed unthinkable, which left him with WWE, TNA, an independent run, and retirement as his most obvious options. But even a return to WWE still seemed like a pipe dream given his acrimonious departure from the company in 2014.
Despite this, hell did indeed freeze over, and Punk made his stunning comeback in front of his adoring Chicago public at Survivor Series 2023.
Before his return was complete, there were reports that TNA was looking to make a deal with Punk, with many fans pointing out that Bound For Glory was set to take place in Chicago. Although Punk had briefly appeared for the promotion previously, such a deal would have shocked the world.
Scott D’Amore Held Talks With CM Punk
Writing in his column for Yahoo! Sports’ Uncrowned, former TNA President Scott D’Amore confirmed reports that he did try and make a deal with Punk, even if he knew it was highly unlikely.
D’Amore went on to praise Punk for his professionalism in how he handled the situation.
“It wasn’t a well-kept secret that I tried to sign Phil to TNA after things with AEW fell apart. I knew it was a long shot, I knew I was asking him to work in smaller arenas than he had in a long time,” said D’Amore.
“He listened; he was interested. He never big-timed TNA once, and he conducted himself the way we’d all wish a professional would. Ultimately, he went back to WWE, which, of course, is where he belongs.”
CM Punk will be back in action at Saturday Night’s Main Event on May 24, where he’ll team with Sami Zayn to face Seth Rollins and Bron Breakker. Elsewhere on the show, Logan Paul will challenge Jey Uso for the World Heavyweight Championship.
It’s been reported that Logan Paul could team with John Cena and Travis Scott to clash with The Usos and Cody Rhodes at Money In The Bank.