CM Punk was previously a part of AEW from 2021 to 2023. However, because of a backstage altercation, he was recently terminated by the Tony Khan-led promotion. Following his termination, speculation started making the rounds that he might soon sign with WWE. While that is yet to take place, his joining the promotion might come sooner rather than later.
Recently, Shawn Michaels appeared for a media call. Not to mention, Michaels is the Senior Vice President of Talent Development Creative in the Triple H-led promotion. In addition to that, he also looks after the creative division of WWE NXT. During the call, he was questioned about signing Punk to NXT.
The Heartbreak Kid then went on to say that he enjoys working with Punk and even mentioned that he has always liked him. Michaels then said, “He’s a guy that does numbers and makes money. I think that would be a risk, reward ratio that I’m sure, from a company standpoint, they’d have to consider.”
He then revealed that if the question arises if they are going to take CM Punk to NXT and feature him on WWE television, then he will surely do it. However, HBK also mentioned that he doesn’t think that anyone will let him do that. Thus, though Triple H’s closest friend thinks bringing back Punk will be best for the business, WWE’s management seems to be hesitant regarding the matter.
Shawn Michaels said, “When it comes to, would we take him in NXT and have him on our television? Are you kidding me? Of course, I would. I just don’t think anybody would let me… Who doesn’t take that kind of star power?”
“He’s a guy that does numbers and makes money. I think that would be a risk, reward ratio that I’m sure, from a company standpoint, they’d have to consider,
But when it comes to, would we take him in NXT and have him on our television? Are you kidding me? Of course, I would.
I… pic.twitter.com/lZQ6JW8AkZ— WrestlePurists (@WrestlePurists) September 28, 2023
Thus, it seems the door is open for CM Punk in WWE NXT. However, while Michaels said that he would take Punk into NXT, he also mentioned that nobody would let him do that. It seems that there might be some issues with Punk in the Stamford-based promotion. Now, only time will tell if he will be a part of the Triple H-led promotion once again.
WWE CEO Nick Khan praised CM Punk
WWE higher-up Shawn Michaels clearly mentioned that he would take CM Punk into NXT. Also, a few days ago, another WWE boss heaped praise on Punk. It is none other than WWE CEO Nick Khan.
Khan previously appeared for an interview with ESPN. During that, he was questioned about Punk’s possible return to WWE. Nick Khan chose not to provide a clear answer to the question.
He then went on to praise the former WWE and AEW star, “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 Nick Khan didn’t say a direct no to the possibility, speculations have been arising about Punk’s possible comeback to WWE. In addition to that, Khan has praised Punk, while Shawn Michaels seems to be interested in signing the former AEW star.
Thus, it might not be too late before Punk returns to the Triple-H-led promotion, which he previously was a part of from 2005 to 2014. Also, Survivor Series 2023 is all set to take place in Punk’s hometown.
With that, many have speculated that the PPV event stage might be the perfect situation for Punk’s return to the Stamford-based promotion. However, fans would wait until then eagerly to see if any updates regarding Punk’s future came into the spotlight.