CM Punk Reportedly in Talks to Return to the Ring

CM Punk is in talks with a wrestling company to potentially return as an in-ring performer, according to a report by Fightful Select (subscription required).

Punk has reportedly had “ongoing conversations about an in-ring return” with a “company official.”

Fightful’s sources indicated that “AEW is the most likely landing point” for Punk, and some higher ups in WWE believe that he is headed to AEW. Fightful also says that they’ve heard that other companies are interested in Punk, but have not heard of any other specific offers or overtures to him.

But they cautioned that as of now, there’s no confirmation or indication that any deal has been reached or signed, or any indication of a potential return date or plans. There have been talks about a return, but of course, nothing is official until a contract has been signed and Punk appears on screen.

Punk last wrestled at the January 2014 WWE Royal Rumble, then walked out of WWE before Raw the next night.

In recent weeks, Tony Khan has teased that there are “big surprises” coming to AEW, including some that only he knows about in the company. Daniel Bryan, who is still a free agent, has also been someone who’s been speculated about, of course.

AEW’s next PPV, All Out, is in CM Punk’s home town of Chicago on September 5. There’s also a Dynamite in Chicago on September 1 and a Rampage in Chicago on September 3. If Punk does come to AEW, around those dates would seem like the perfect time.