CM Punk was previously a member of Tony Khan’s All Elite Wrestling (AEW) roster. However, owing to a backstage altercation, he was recently terminated by the promotion. With that, he became and free agent and now everyone’s wondering about his future. Many have even speculated that Punk might soon join WWE.
Meanwhile, WWE recently merged with UFC under TKO Group Holdings. Following the merger, the company started massive layoffs. Several employees and talents of the Stamford-based promotion have been released. Some of the shocking releases include Dolph Ziggler, Mustafa Ali, and Matt Riddle.
Just wanted to inform everyone that I’m no longer with WWE. Thank you for the memories and opportunities also thank you to all the fans for the support and love you give me every time I go out to the ring. See you all soon 🤙 pic.twitter.com/fpuQkIJAFx
— matthew riddle (@SuperKingofBros) September 22, 2023
In such situations, Dave Meltzer recently spoke on the Wrestling Observer Radio. During that, he talked about Punk or Riddle’s possible return to Triple H-led promotion. He mentioned that a lot of people in WWE management have bad feelings for Punk. On the contrary, no one from the management has similar feelings for Riddle.
Meltzer said, “There’s a lot of people with bad feelings in management about CM Punk in WWE, but there’s nobody in management with a bad feeling about Matt Riddle.” Hence, it looks like Riddle’s release has brought to light an unexpected revelation about Punk.
“There’s a lot of people with bad feelings in management about CM Punk in WWE, but there’s nobody in management with a bad feeling about Matt Riddle.” – Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio. pic.twitter.com/nLIHxC50Uo
— Wrestle Features (@WrestleFeatures) September 25, 2023
Thus, it seems that though Matt Riddle might find his way back to the company in the upcoming days, CM Punk might not return to the Stamford-based promotion soon. However, only time will tell if any of these former WWE Superstars will ever return to the promotion.
Nick Khan heaped praise on CM Punk
Dave Meltzer has reported that there are many with bad feelings in WWE management about Punk. However, the CEO of WWE, Nick Khan might not be one of them. That is because he previously heaped praise on the former WWE Superstar.
Nick Khan previously appeared in an interview with ESPN. During that, he was questioned about the company’s interest in bringing back the former champion. Khan went on to shower praise on the former AEW star instead of providing a direct answer.
Khan said, “Listen, we only have respect for Phil. We appreciate his run here. We appreciate what he did and tried to do with the UFC. Not many people can actually get in there and do what he did. So, when we have respect for Phil, we wish him nothing but the best.”
I asked WWE president Nick Khan today whether or not WWE would be interested in bringing back CM Punk following his firing from AEW.
Khan didn’t say yes, nor no. This is what he responded: pic.twitter.com/C69cxlQryl
— Marc Raimondi (@marcraimondi) September 12, 2023
Since, Khan didn’t answer with a direct ‘yes’ or ‘no’, fans have been speculating about a possible return. Meanwhile, keeping in mind what Meltzer said and also taking account of Khan’s praises it will be interesting to see how things turn out to be.
However, there are several pay-per-view events scheduled ahead. These include Fastlane, Crown Jewel, and Survivor Series 2023. So, if the Triple-H-led promotion is indeed planning to bring back CM Punk, wrestling fans might get to see him appear in any of the upcoming PLE events. Until then, fans would wait with high anticipation and excitement.