Wednesday night on AEW: Dynamite, the league’s CEO & President, Tony Khan made the official announcement that the first episode of TNT’s new Saturday night pro wrestling show, AEW: Collision will emanate from the United Center in Chicago on June 17th (8pm ET). That all but guarantees (although unconfirmed) that CM Punk (who hails from Chi-town) will be returning to the company following his injury and his backstage brawl at All Out 2022.

Photo: AEW
Initial reports had Punk’s name crossed off of the official press release for the new Saturday night show. Speculation was rampant that it was taken off the roster list because either CM’s appearance would then be a surprise, or that Punk, Khan and AEW had not come to resolution of all their previously publicized backstage issues.
It should be noted, that when Punk made his AEW debut it was during an episode of AEW Rampage from the United Center back in August of 2021.
With “Collision” apparently housing wrestlers who have had other issues with the company including: Miro, Thunder Rosa, and Andrade, CM Punk would seemingly fit right in.
Reports also surfaced that part of the clause that needed to be worked out between Khan and Punk, was that moving forward nobody would speak publicly about the backstage fight between Punk, Ace Steel, and The Elite at All Out 2022. If Punk’s return happens on AEW: Collision, additional rumors say he will feud with Samoa Joe to kick off his return to the ring.

Photo: AEW
Memorial Day weekend, AEW is set to serve up one of its four major pay-per-views of the year with Double or Nothing live from Las Vegas on Sunday, May 28th. In the main events, The Elite with Hangman Adam Page face off with the Blackpool Combat Club in the Anarchy in the Arena match, while MJF puts the AEW World Championship on the line and defends in a four-way matchup against Darby Allin, Jack Perry and Sammy Guevara.
You can watch Tony Khan’s announcement below of Chicago being the home for the premiere episode of AEW Collision.
Now, let us know, are you hoping that CM Punk does return to AEW and on the premiere of “Collision”? Share your thoughts in the comment section.