CM Punk believes that a return to WWE was pretty much out of the question.
Punk made his return to the pro wrestling industry after being away for seven years. The self-proclaimed “Best in the World” appeared on the Aug. 20 episode of AEW Rampage. He addressed his decision to return and revealed he will be wrestling Darby Allin at All Out on Sept. 5.
Appearing on The Angi Taylor Show, Punk explained not mentioning WWE by name in his return promo.
“I understand life’s tough and not everybody can do it, but I’m just somebody that will just never compromise myself. And I say the place I used to work because I don’t feel it’s specifically necessary to mention them when I don’t have to. I am full of anxiety and stress doing press for AEW right now that I’m inadvertently going to say a whole bunch of stupid stuff. People are going to break it down and use out-of-context quotes for clickbait.
“But the reality is you can’t talk to me, coming back after seven years, without bringing up the place I used to work. I’m just trying to do my best to not sling mud so to speak because everything I say about them is 100% the truth. I just want to focus on and highlight the positives of the new place I work, AEW. I’m trying here, I’m trying.”
Punk went on to say there was a time when he didn’t even think about making a return to the ring before AEW got started. He also made it clear that he doesn’t feel a WWE comeback was ever going to happen.
“I don’t think I considered it. Three years ago, five years ago I don’t think AEW even existed. I don’t think going back to WWE was ever really, logically, on the table.”
Punk made his exit from WWE following the 2014 Royal Rumble PPV. Punk was said to be destined for a WrestleMania match with Triple H that year. CM Punk told Colt Cabana that he was scheduled to win that match but he was burned out by that point.
