It’s been a very busy week for pro wrestling fans as the UFC and WWE merger finally went public on the New York Stock Exchange on September 12, 2023. Now that both industry giants have joined hands to form TKO, the product is expected to get even more exciting.
With Endeavor owning 51% of the stakes in the newly formed TKO Group, fans believe there can be major changes in WWE’s product. Among all the different speculations on the internet after this merger, CM Punk’s return is arguably the most talked-about thing.
Even though Punk’s return has been a hot topic ever since his AEW exit earlier this month, WWE President Nick Khan’s recent comments have intensified it further. This happened after his recent conversation with Marc Raimondi, as Khan was asked whether he would be interested in a CM Punk return or not.
WWE President Nick Khan was asked about a CM Punk return to WWE by ESPN:
“Listen, we only have respect for Phil. We appreciate his run here. We appreciate what he did and what he tried to do with the UFC. Not many people can actually get in there and do what he did. So, when we… pic.twitter.com/CaZ1dXXjlt
— Wrestle Ops (@WrestleOps) September 12, 2023
Intensifying the chances of the star’s WWE return through his answer, Nick said, “Listen, we only have respect for Phil. We appreciate his run here. We appreciate what he did and what he 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.” (Via: X)
Even though WWE’s president didn’t give a clear-cut answer to the probability of Punk returning to the Triple H-led promotion, his comments has created a buzz among fans. Many wonder if Nick showing his respect for the former AEW star is a sign that The Straight Edge Superstar will be back in the company.
Will the UFC and WWE merger work in favor of CM Punk’s return?
Despite Nick Khan sharing some positive comments on CM Punk, fans still wonder if the two parties have moved on from their past issues. While relations between WWE and the Best In The World are in question, a lot of people believe that the UFC and WWE merger can eventually work in favor of Punk’s return.
The reason behind this is The Straight Edge Superstar’s UFC stint, as he’s said to have good relations with Endeavor. With the group now having supreme ownership in the Stamford-based promotion, fans are hopeful that there’s a better chance of Punk potentially signing with the WWE.
There were some who were adamantly against the idea and didn’t believe it could happen but others who looked at it as a “chance to make big money.” We know of one top-tier star who was all for it, but it wouldn’t be their call.
– PWInsider with regards to CM Punk and WWE pic.twitter.com/20OgsEdhBN
— Wrestle Ops (@WrestleOps) September 5, 2023
Alongside this, there have been positive responses to Punk’s return from officials in the Triple H-led promotion, as WWE had a meeting after CM’s AEW termination. With such reports, it seems that the former World Champion can eventually make a return. It remains to be seen whether this can soon become a reality or just end up being a rumor.
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