Finally, pro wrestling fans got the word from AEW president Tony Khan on tonight’s episode of AEW Dynamite; that CM Punk is coming back to AEW, and will make his highly-anticipated reemergence on Khan’s new Saturday wrestling series, TNT’s AEW: Collision on June 17th.
As many had expected with the premiere of ‘Collision’ set for the United Center in Chicago, and Punk’s hometown, it was just a matter of time before Warner Brothers/Discovery and AEW made CM’s return official.
The two-time AEW world champion has not been seen, or talked about on-air since the All In pay-per-view back in September of 2022. That event featured an explosive post-show media scrum, where Punk went off on former friend, Colt Cabana, and wrestlers: Hangman Adam Page, and AEW Executive VP’s, Kenny Omega, Matt Jackson and Nick Jackson. Later, a backstage brawl broke out, which saw several of the guys suspended and Punk off of TV and his future with the organization in limbo.
However, Punk was also off TV because he was tore his tricep during his last match with Jon Moxley. Since it required surgery and rehab, he was not cleared to wrestle since last fall.
Now the question becomes, when CM Punk returns, will be a full on heel? Given how he has not been the most ‘liked’ guy in the locker room, it might make the most sense to play in to it all. Stay tuned.
So, excited to know the CM Punk is on his way back to the new AEW television show and maybe an arena and a ring near you? Comment below.