When Did CM Punk And WWE Make Deal For Return?
CM Punk is back in WWE and there is some news about when the two sides made the deal happen.
The shocking WWE return of CM Punk at Survivor Series in Chicago has got the wrestling world talking. While many fans are likely excited about it, there might be people within the company upset about it due to Punk’s controversial past both in WWE and in other companies like AEW, where he got fired in September.
Prior to Survivor Series 2023, the last time Punk appeared on WWE television as a performer (not counting the WWE Backstage show) was the 2014 Royal Rumble. Punk walked out on the company the next day.
As Punk’s “Cult of Personality” music played, the Chicago crowd gave him a huge ovation as they have done many times in the past. The show went off the air without the announcers making a single comment. Instead, it was CM Punk soaking in the ovation for about two minutes.
After the show, WWE World Champion Seth “Freakin” Rollins was visibly swearing and looking upset about Punk’s presence. That is apparently a storyline. However, Drew McIntyre might be legitimately upset about it.
During the post-Survivor Series press conference, WWE’s Chief Content Officer Triple H claimed the deal was done rather quickly while making it clear that very few people knew about it. That’s partly why it was a rumored return, but not officially confirmed.
Details Regarding CM Punk’s WWE Return And How It Happened
While speaking on Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer talked about when the deal was made by WWE and CM Punk to set up the spectacular return.
“The deal came together about 10 days ago. Obviously, (it) was kept secret from almost everyone.”
It was added by Meltzer that the 45-year-old Punk signed a multi-year contract with WWE, which is something that PWInsider also reported. Regarding WWE’s owners in the TKO Group being involved, apparently, they were kept in the dark about it. Meltzer said that TKO is there to be on the business side while WWE’s decision makers like Triple H and WWE President Nick Khan make the creative decisions.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if some of them knew but I was told basically that it’s not their gig. They’re there to do business deals and make money and the creative is in the hands of WWE.”
“It was Nick Khan who made the call. Vince McMahon had nothing to do with it. Paul Levesque had, obviously, a lot to do with it.”
CM Punk is expected to appear on Monday’s Raw in Nashville where he will likely have a microphone in hand to address his WWE return after nearly ten years away from the company.