NXT star Apollo Crews recently shared his thoughts on the possibility of CM Punk returning to WWE after his time in All Elite Wrestling appears to be coming to an end.

• 5 Best Moments of CM Punk’s AEW Career

Former AEW Champion CM Punk is reportedly “ready to move on” but the hold-up is on AEW’s side. CM Punk recently posted an image from his WWE days on Instagram to fuel rumors he is returning to the promotion he has routinely disparaged after his exit in 2014.

Speaking with Nick Hausman of Wrestling Inc., Apollo shared his thoughts on CM Punk potentially returning to WWE in the future.

Apollo Crews will challenge Bron Breakker for the NXT Championship this Saturday night at NXT Deadline. During the interview, Crews vowed to defeat Breakker at the premium live event and become the new NXT Champion.

H/T: Wrestling Inc.

Apollo returned to NXT in June and claimed that he left too soon in 2016 and was back to correct history. He teamed with The Bloodline’s Solo Sikoa to defeat former NXT North American Champion Carmelo Hayes and Grayson Waller in his first match back in NXT on June 7th.

CM Punk is ready and willing to move on to his “next project” and part ways with All Elite Wrestling.

Punk joined the promotion in August 2021 after over a seven-year hiatus from wrestling.

The two-time former AEW World Champion hasn’t been seen on TV since All Out due to his role in the backstage fight.

Moving On

Last month, it was reported that CM Punk is the one seeking a buyout of his contract, something that AEW is in no rush to grant.

In the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter, it is reported that Punk remains under contract with Tony Khan at this time, and is still being paid.

Sources close to Punk reiterated that delays in his being released are all down to AEW’s side of things.

Those same sources added that CM Punk is “ready and willing to move to his next project.”

Outside of wrestling, Punk provides commentary for Cage Fury Fighting Championships and has previously written comics for Marvel.

Punk also has appeared in multiple films, and was critically acclaimed for his role in 2019’s ‘Girl on the Third Floor.’

Going Back…

CM Punk may have options outside of wrestling, but moving on from AEW may lead to going back to WWE.

Punk walked out of the promotion in 2014 and was sent his termination papers on his wedding day, an unfortunate coincidence according to former WWE CEO Vince McMahon.

It has been reported that Triple H is open to working with Punk, realizing the huge deal that having arguably AEW’s biggest star on his roster would be.

While the Game is open to discussing a Punk return, others in WWE absolutely do not want him back.

CM Punk has greatly reduced how much he posts on social media since the incident at AEW All Out, where he ripped Hangman Page, The Young Bucks, Kenny Omega, and Colt Cabana at the post-event press conference and then got into a brawl with The Elite. 

Wrestling Inc previously reported that members of Punk’s camp alleged that Larry’s teeth were knocked loose accidentally when the door to the wrestler’s locker room was kicked open. The report stated the teeth had to be pulled days later by a vet. 

The Photo

Punk recently shared a photograph of his dog, Larry, to his Instagram story that shows Larry missing several teeth, seemingly confirming the report. 

This photo is only a few things he has shared as of late in addition to occasional promotion for his wife AJ Mendez’s Netflix movie “Blade of the 47 Ronin.” 

Punk had undergone surgery for a torn left triceps shortly after All Out during his AEW Championship match against Jon Moxley. The injury will likely keep him out of action for at least eight months. 

As previously reported, there have been talks between Punk and AEW about a contract buyout. However, there’s been a hang-up on the non-compete clause period.

CM Punk has parted ways with All Elite Wrestling according to recent comments made by Stokely Hathaway.

Punk, who debuted for AEW in August 2021, has been suspended since All Out for his role in the backstage fight.

With the third-party investigation into the fight now finished, it has been reported that Punk is seeking a buyout of his contract.

Out of the Company

Following All Out, Tony Khan kept silent on any CM Punk matters, due to the investigation.

The now-infamous September Pay-Per-View went off the air with MJF, who had won the Casino Ladder match earlier in the night, staring down Punk.

Speaking on the latest episode of The Sessions, Stokely Hathaway spoke about his run in AEW so far, and his work with The Firm.

Hathaway noted that plans for the group to feud with CM Punk have fallen through.

“Everything that was supposed to happen with The Firm did not happen. Back at All out, what happened immediately after the Pay-Per-View, that was a huge part of it.

“[The person] We were supposed to directly feud with is no longer in the company. “

Stokely Hathaway.

Tony Khan has not confirmed CM Punk’s AEW status or whether he has been released by All Elite Wrestling at this time.

Wanting to work with CM Punk

Like Punk, Hathaway is able to more than hold his own on the mic, and a war of words between them would have been epic to see.

On the podcast, Hathaway said that he regrets not getting to chance to work with the former AEW World Champion.

“That was one thing I was looking forward to because I was hand-chosen for that role. I’m just going to say it. I don’t know the specifics about people choosing sides. I just know that CM Punk said ‘hey. I want to work with this guy.’ That means a lot, regardless of what has happened.”

At AEW Full Gear, MJF captured the AEW World Championship from Jon Moxley thanks to a heel turn by William Regal.

For use of these quotes please give a h/t to SEScoops.

CM Punk reportedly wants to be bought out of his AEW contract. He arrived in All Elite Wrestling at the 2nd-ever episode of Rampage on August 20th last year.

• 5 Best Moments of CM Punk’s AEW Career

AEW sold out the United Center on a rumor that CM Punk would be making his return to the world of professional wrestling after seven years away.

Bryan Alvarez of the Wrestling Observer noted during a recent live chat that CM Punk is the one that wants the contract buyout and AEW would have just released him if they wanted him gone.

AEW Brawl Out

All Elite Wrestling held its All Out PPV at the NOW Arena on September 4th. CM Punk defeated Jon Moxley in the main event to win the AEW Championship for the 2nd time. MJF was revealed to be the masked man that won the Casino Ladder match to begin the show and confronted the new AEW World Champion as the PPV went off the air.

Kenny Omega and the Young Bucks (The Elite) defeated Death Triangle to become the inaugural Trios Champions on the PPV as well. After the show, new AEW World Champion CM Punk sat next to Tony Khan and went on a rant about The Elite, Colt Cabana, and Hangman Page. The Elite confronted CM Punk backstage and a brawl broke out. CM Punk and The Elite were suspended indefinitely and stripped of their titles.

The Elite Return

Two and half months after the brawl at the All Out media scrum, The Elite returned to AEW at Full Gear.

• 11 Best Moments from AEW Full Gear 2022

They lost to Death Triangle in a Trios Championship after Pac bashed Kenny Omega with a hammer. It was the first match of a best-of-7 series, and The Elite battled Death Triangle once again in the Wintrust Arena in Chicago this past Wednesday on Dynamite.

CM Punk’s hometown was wild during the Trios Championship match as The Elite took shots at the former AEW World Champion during the match. Omega and the Young Bucks once again came up short after Rey Fenix bashed Nick Jackson over the head with a hammer. The Elite currently trails 0-2 in the series with the next match scheduled for December 7th edition of Dynamite in Indianapolis.

CM Punk didn’t appear on this week’s AEW Dynamite, but his presence was certainly felt on Tony Khan’s latest episode on TBS.

Punk has been missing from AEW programming since All Out, due to the backstage fight that took place after the September Pay-Per-View.

With the third-party investigation into the matter concluded, the Elite have been brought back to TV, but it is believed that Punk’s days with AEW are coming to an end.

Dynamite

This week’s AEW Dynamite saw the Elite face AEW Trios Champions Death Triangle in the second match of their best-of-seven series.

Throughout the match, the Elite made reference to Punk and what happened at All Out.

At one point, Kenny Omega bit Pac’s arm, referencing Punk’s trainer Ace Steel biting his arm during the All Out brawl.

Later in the match, Omega would also use the GTS, while Matt Jackson would deliberately fail to hit a Buckshot Lariat, a move Punk messed up during his All Out bout with Jon Moxley.

The Death Triangle would win on Dynamite, going 2-0 in the best-of-seven series.

The Response

The Elite made plenty of references to Punk, despite Kenny Omega’s recent comments that people should move on from All Out.

Speaking on Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer said these digs did not go unnoticed by Punk’s camp.

“Man, I know that there are people close to cm punk. Boy were they not happy with that six-man tag.”

Dave Meltzer.

Punk has not publicly commented on this week’s AEW Dynamite at this time.

It has been reported that many in AEW have refused to work with the former World Champion again if he is brought back.

This week’s AEW Dynamite may have been in CM Punk’s hometown of Chicago, Illinois, but not everyone in the Windy City is a fan of the former World Champion.

Punk hasn’t appeared for AEW since All Out, and was suspended after the show for his role in the backstage fight.

With the investigation into the matter concluded, it is believed that Punk’s time with the company is finished, with reports that AEW are seeking to buy out his contract.

Dynamite Chants

Even before this week’s Dynamite began, the Elite were expecting a feisty crowd, as the Young Bucks’ Twitter profile reflected.

Sure enough, the crowd was full of chants during the Elite’s match with AEW Trios Champions Death Triangles, as chants of “F*** The Elite!” were heard when Omega and the Bucks were on offense.

Some in Chicago did give a “F*** CM Punk” chant, and the suspended two-time former AEW World Champion was not on Dynamite.

Riling up the Crowd

Kenny Omega recently stated that he wants everyone to move on from All Out, but the actions during last night’s match tell another story.

During the match, Omega bit Pac on the arm, parodying Ace Steel biting him during the backstage brawl from the September Pay-Per-View.

Later in the match, Omega would also use the GTS, while Matt Jackson would deliberately fail to hit a Buckshot Lariat, a move Punk also messed up.

Despite this, the Death Triangle would win the match, going 2-0 in their best-of-seven series with The Elite.

AEW President Tony Khan is adamant that CM Punk did not force or pressure him to remove Colt From AEW TV, but the wrestlers aren’t buying it.

After Punk’s arrival to the promotion in August 2021, Cabana, once Punk’s best friend, stopped appearing on Dynamite and Rampage.

Earlier this month, Cabana had his first AEW TV match in close to a year, unsuccessfully challenging Ring of Honor World Champion Chris Jericho.

Doubt

Given that Cabana’s return came amid reports that AEW will release Punk, it’s not surprising that many believe he only vanished from TV because of Punk.

Speaking at the Full Gear media scrum, Khan denied that Punk requested Cabana’s removal, saying he “never asked for that.”

Speaking on Wrestling Observer Radio Dave Meltzer said that many in AEW are skeptical of Khan’s claim.

“CM Punk is, and he’s always been, very adamant that he had nothing to do with it. Tony said that Punk has had nothing to do with it… that story is not going to change publicly one way or the other.

“The skepticism, and it’s vehement from a lot of people, as far as the skepticism of that story. So it’s not like that thing has been settled in the eyes of, I can’t say all the talent, but a lot of the talent [are skeptical.]”

“A lot of the talent [are skeptical.]”

Dave Meltzer on AEW’s roster doubting Tony Khan saying CM Punk did not influence him.

“Even today, I just got something that was just like, ‘Can’t you just see? Isn’t it obvious?’ It’s not like they’re speculating, they believe that they know the story. That’s basically that, I’m sure that one will never go away.”

Plans

After Cabana’s return, it was reported that his appearance was a ‘morale booster’ for the AEW roster following what transpired at AEW All Out.

Unfortunately for Khan, Colt’s appearance on Dynamite has made things worse with Punk who remains adamant that he did not influence Khan.

At this time, it is believed that Punk is still under contract, with merchandise of his being sold by AEW within the past week.

Tony Khan has addressed the Colt Cabana/CM Punk debacle that led to the biggest controversy in AEW history with the All Out Brawl.

The AEW President was asked about it during the post Full Gear media scrum, and he confirmed that the Straight Edge Star never asked Colt Cabana to be removed from AEW programming:

“No. No, he never asked for that. The first time it came up, I think you asked me on a scrum call and I wasn’t looking at you face to face, it was before Death Before Dishonor, I think. He never asked me that.”

Addressing Colt Cabana’s return match against Chris Jericho, TK mentioned how he had been using him as a ROH coach and talent. So it made sense for him to challenge Jericho for the ROH title:

“I’ve been using Colt Cabana both as a coach and a wrestler in Ring of Honor. I looked at the roster and he’s a very logical challenger because, not only has he held the Ring of Honor Tag Team Championship, but he’s also somebody who has been wrestling in the 2022 Ring of Honor, is undefeated, so I thought he would be a logical challenger for Chris. It’s also a good match,”

It’s widely believed that Tony Khan decided not to re-sign Colt Cabana due to his issues with CM Punk. After the intervention from The Elite, Khan offered Cabana a position in ROH. This is believed to be one of the major causes of the animosity between the AEW EVPs and Punk, which led to the backstage fight at All Out.

• What Happened With Jon Moxley After Full Gear Went Off Air

You can check out the complete Full Gear media scrum below:

CM Punk once called himself the Voice of the Voiceless, speaking up for fans. Well, those fans made their voices heard at last night’s AEW Full Gear Pay-Per-View.

Punk hasn’t been seen on AEW programming since his infamous All Out post-show media scrum in September, which was followed by a backstage fight with The Elite.

With the investigation into the backstage fight over, it is believed the results have condemned Punk, who is expected to depart the promotion.

The Voice of the Voiceless

CM Punk wasn’t at last night’s AEW Full Gear Pay-Per-View, but The Elite made their in-ring return on the show.

In their first match back, the trio of Kenny Omega and the Young Bucks challenged for the AEW Trios titles, which they had won at All Out.

The Elite had been stripped of the titles due to the backstage fight, which were won by the Death Triangle on the following AEW Dynamite.

During the much-anticipated six-man-tag at Full Gear, fans made their voices heard, chanting “F**k CM Punk!” during the opening moments.

Tony Schiavone, acknowledging the chant, called the crowd “lively” and “salty” while Taz made note that the show was in New Jersey.

The Death Triangle would retain the titles, after Rey Fenix used PAC’s weapon of choice the ring-bell hammer, to escape Omega’s One Winged Angel.

On Twitter, Punk’s former best friend Colt Cabana reacted, saying he was chanting for The Elite in the match.

CM Punk’s Next Move

With CM Punk’s name in the metaphorical dirt in AEW, it appears that his time with the promotion is about to come to an end.

It has been reported that AEW is attempting to buy out Punk’s contract and release him, with the roster reportedly refusing to work with him if he’s brought back.

Despite the belief that WWE will be the only option that can pay his high asking price, the reception within WWE to Punk possibly returning hasn’t been much warmer.

Jungle Boy hilariously mocked CM Punk during the AEW Full Gear press conference media scrum.

• 5 Best Moments of CM Punk’s AEW Career

After CM Punk won the AEW World Championship on September 4th at All Out in front of his hometown crowd, the former champion went on a rant at the media scrum.

He barely touched on winning the title, or MJF’s return, Punk targeted The Elite, Hangman Page, and Colt Cabana in his rant. Occasionally during the verbal tirade, Punk would take a break to enjoy a bite of a muffin.

Luchasaurus battled Jungle Boy tonight in a Steel Cage match. It was the first bout of the PPV and started the show off with a bang. Christian Cage stole the key to the cage from a referee and tried to interfere but wound up getting kicked out from ringside.

Jack won the match after hitting a massive Elbow Drop off the top of the cage and through a table. He quickly applied the Snare Trap for the pinfall victory and celebrated with his family after the match.

Jungle Boy Jack Perry spoke about his victory, his family in the crowd for the match, and occasionally took a break to enjoy a bite of his pancakes.

• 11 Best Moments From AEW Full Gear 2022

The AEW crowd also mocked the former two-time AEW World Champion (without a single defense) with loud “f*ck CM Punk!” chants during The Elite’s match.

All Elite Wrestling dropped a new trailer for the Fight Forever video game tonight and seemingly showed new cover art for the game as well. CM Punk is nowhere to be seen in the new trailer and the graphic at the end of the advertisement.

• 5 Best Moments from CM Punk’s AEW Career

AEW World Jon Moxley, Hangman Adam Page, ROH Champion Chris Jericho, Britt Bakerfeatured in the trailer for the game and said the following:

The narrator then added that it is time for gamers to create their own unforgettable moments in Fight Forever.

A graphic for what appears to be the new cover for the game was shown at the end of the video. The new cover matches the look of AEW Dynamite and features Hangman Page, Chris Jericho, Sting, MJF, Jade Cargill, Britt Baker, Jon Moxley, Orange Cassidy, Bryan Danielson, and Kenny Omega front and center.

The original advertised cover for AEW Fight Forever featured former two-time AEW World Champion CM Punk at the front, Kenny Omega, Britt Baker, Chris Jericho, Jade Cargill, and Jon Moxley.

AEW Fight Forever hasn’t been given an official release date but Yuke’s and THQ Nordic produced video game is advertised to be available in 2022.

CM Punk has seen the funny side to the infamous backstage locker room fight from AEW All Out 2022.

After winning his second AEW World Championship, Punk had explosive comments for The Elite, Colt Cabana and ‘Hangman’ Adam Page during the post-All Out media scrum.

A fight backstage resulted in Punk and the Elite being stripped of the AEW World and AEW Trios titles respectively, and all parties involved in the fight were suspended.

Seeing the Funny Side

Punk hasn’t appeared for AEW since All Out, but recently made his return to the world of Mixed Martial Arts, albeit as a commentator.

Appearing at CFFC 115, Punk’s co-commentators suggested that Punk could compete with Fury Pro Wrestling next year, but the Chicago-Made star quickly declined.

“I’m bad news. You don’t want me in the locker room.”

CM Punk.

Not to be outdone, another commentator made reference to Punk’s All Out media scrum comments, adding that he should be kept away from press conferences.

CM Punk would also make reference to his shoulder injury suffered at AEW All Out, adding that “everything’s hurt.”

Leaving AEW

Punk may be able to see the funny side of things now, but his actions at AEW All Out have likely cost him his job.

After all parties involved in the backstage fight were suspended, a third-party investigation was conducted that has seemingly damned the former Champion.

While the results of the investigation have not been made public by AEW, everyone who was suspended except Punk and Ace Steel have been brought back.

The Elite will make their in-ring returns at tonight’s Full Gear Pay-Per-View against AEW Trios Champions Death Triangle.

It is believed that AEW is seeking to buy out the remainder of Punk’s contract and release him.

CM Punk and Colt Cabana’s relationship is rocky, to say the least, which has impacted the talks between AEW and the former World Heavyweight Champion. 

Cabana was among the list of people that Punk ripped in his infamous rant following AEW All Out where he criticized Hangman Page and The Elite. Punk was suspended as a result while also away rehabbing an injury. 

When Punk came into AEW, Cabana’s television time decreased and there were rumors that Punk was potentially the reason behind Cabana not being featured as much on the show, which Punk himself denies, because of their broken friendship. 

Cabana’s AEW deal wasn’t going to be renewed until the locker room came to bat for him and he was moved to the ROH brand. 

Cabana was back on Dynamite on November 2 as ROH World Heavyweight Champion Chris Jericho’s mystery opponent. This seemed to support the idea that Punk being suspended opened the door for Cabana to come back. 

CM Punk’s Denial

Dave Meltzer reported in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that Punk is still ‘adamant’ that he had nothing to do with Cabana’s absence from AEW TV.

“Colt Cabana wrestling Chris Jericho only made things worse as far as issues with the two sides. Punk remains adamant he had nothing to do with Cabana being gone. A lot of talent in AEW believes and insists differently and it’s openly talked about.”

Meltzer added that there had been no change in CM Punk’s contract situation as he’s still under contract and AEW was selling his merchandise this past week at Dynamite.

CM Punk may have already wrestled his last match for AEW, but the former World Champion is recovering nicely.

At AEW All Out 2022, Punk regained the AEW World Championship from Jon Moxley, but his media-scrum comments and the backstage fight led to his being suspended.

It is believed that AEW will buy out Punk’s contract and release him, but are trying to negotiate a non-compete clause.

The Injury

During his All Out match with Moxley, Punk suffered a torn triceps injury which he has undergone surgery for.

In the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter Dave Meltzer reports that Punk’s recovery is going “really well.”

Punk was reportedly advised to undergo surgery as soon as possible after the injury was confirmed, to avoid muscle atrophy.

A torn triceps injury typically takes six months to recover from but can be longer in some instances.

What’s Next for Punk?

Punk could be in fighting shape sooner than expected, but that doesn’t mean he’ll be welcomed back to AEW.

During his All Out rant, Punk bashed several prominent and well-liked members of the roster, including Kenny Omega, the Young Bucks, Colt Cabana, and ‘Hangman’ Adam Page.

It has been reported that AEW talent, including those at the top of the card, have made it clear that they will not work with Punk if he is brought back.

The reception isn’t much better for Punk in WWE, with some in the company saying they “absolutely do not want” him back, believing he’d only cause more trouble.

AEW President Tony Khan spoke today on a media call ahead of the Full Gear PPV this Saturday at the Prudential Center.

• AEW Full Gear 2022 Preview

During the call, Tony was asked if CM Punk will be returning to the company and he dodged the question. CM Punk won the AEW World Championship for the 2nd time at AEW All Out on September 4th.

MJF returned after a hiatus to confront Punk at the end of the PPV. At the All Out media scrum, CM Punk went on a rant that spawned a brawl with The Elite, which then resulted in the AEW World and AEW Trios Champions beings suspended and stripped of their titles a few days after winning them.

On today’s Full Gear media call, the AEW President praised CM Punk for his contributions on screen in All Elite Wrestling but added that he cannot comment on if he will return to the company.

The AEW President was later asked if he had any idea of what the former two-time AEW World Champion was going to say in rant and why he didn’t make an effort to stop it. Tony claimed that he did not know what CM Punk was going to say and was focused on the rest of the media scrum.

H/T: WrestleZone

Jon Moxley and MJF met face-to-face at the conclusion of this week’s edition of Dynamite.

• 5 Best Moments of CM Punk’s AEW Career

It was the final episode of Dynamite before AEW Full Gear this Saturday at the Prudential Center. AEW Rampage will be live this Friday night from the New Jersey as well.

Moxley came to the ring first, accompanied by William Regal of the Blackpool Combat Club. The AEW World Champion said that he sees a lot of fear in MJF heading into the match this Saturday.

Jon claimed that MJF was afraid he might not live up to the hype and vowed to retain at the PPV. Stokely Hathaway interrupted and made his way down the entrance ramp.

The Firm (Ethan Page, W. Morrissey, Gunn Glub, Lee Moriarty) attacked the Jon from behind before MJF made the save. Maxwell rushed the ring and beat down The Firm one-by-one.

MJF grabbed the microphone and began his promo with “Jon, while you are laying there hopefully in a ton of pain”. CM Punk’s infamous pipebomb promo from 2011 started off with a similar line directed at John Cena. CM Punk said “John Cena, while you lay there hopefully as uncomfortable as you possibly can be”.

Jon Moxley will defend the AEW World Championship against MJF this Saturday at AEW Full Gear.

• 5 Reasons Why MJF Should Win The AEW World Championship

There were also two more title matches announced during tonight’s episode of AEW Dynamite.

Wardlow will put his TNT Championship on the line against Samoa Joe and Powerhouse Hobbs in a Triple Threat match.

It was also announced tonight that The Elite will make their return to AEW and battle Death Triangle for the Trios Championships. The Elite became the inaugural Trios Champions at All Out by defeating Death Triangle. CM Punk and The Elite were then stripped of AEW World Championship and the Trios Championships following their brawl at the All Out media scrum.

• AEW Full Gear 2022 Preview

MJF made his return at the conclusion of AEW All Out and confronted CM Punk. Maxwell holds a victory over CM Punk in AEW. Punk got his revenge and defeated MJF in a Dog Collar match at AEW Revolution.

Is CM Punk going to return to WWE soon? Not if some in the company can help it.

Since his explosive comments at AEW All Out and the backstage fight, it has been rumored that Punk could return to WWE despite his infamous 2014 walkout.

Punk has been suspended from AEW since All Out and there is no sign of his return despite the investigation into the backstage fight recently concluding.

Do Not Want

Punk in WWE, despite the frosty relationship between the two sides over the years, would certainly be a huge deal at a time when the company is at war with AEW.

Triple H has reportedly “softened” his stance on CM Punk but not everyone is wanting to see him return.

While speaking on Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer said that many in WWE do not want Punk back, but they have no say over the creative.

“I know people in WWE who absolutely do not want him [CM Punk] there, but they are not the people on the creative team.”

Dave Meltzer.

Meltzer added that those people in WWE are aware of what happened in AEW, and seriously question why risk the same happening in their promotion.

This attitude isn’t too different from the feeling in AEW, with reports that talent will refuse to work with Punk if he is brought back by Tony Khan.

WWVD?

Many in WWE may be opposed to a CM Punk return, but it will ultimately come down to what WWE co-CEOs Nick Khan and Stephanie McMahon, and WWE Head of Creative/Talent Triple H, think is best.

On his show, Meltzer said that Triple H may be against bringing Punk in, and questioned what Vince McMahon would do if he was still in charge.

““Paul may just go in there and go, ‘Look what happened, we don’t need it’. And they don’t. They don’t need it, and he may just do that.

““If it was Vince, Vince would do it I think, with that kind of money at stake.”

Dave Meltzer.

CM Punk’s status with AEW remains unclear, and Tony Khan has made it clear he will not be addressing the matter in public.

Fightful have previously reported that there are currently no plans to bring Punk back to AEW.

CM Punk’s AEW career may continue for months to come, even if he isn’t featured on Television.

Punk debuted in AEW last year after a seven-year hiatus from wrestling following his controversial exit from WWE in January 2014.

After explosive comments made on the All Out 2022 post-show media scrum, as well as a backstage fight, Punk has been suspended from the company.

Punk Staying?

It has been reported that AEW seeks to buy out the remainder of Punk’s contract and release their problematic two-time former World Champion.

Reports of Punk’s exit come at a time when it is reported that WWE is trying to lure ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin back for one more match.

Speaking on Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer reported that “issues” may prevent the long-anticipated Punk Vs. Austin match.

“If you’re looking for the match that’s going to shake up the business, the Punk match is the one. But I don’t know that Punk will have a release [from his AEW contract.] There’s just a lot of issues there.”

Dave Meltzer.

Austin has been sharing workout videos over the past week and looks in shape for another match.

19 years after his WrestleMania 19 loss to The Rock, Austin competed at this year’s WrestleMania with a win over Kevin Owens.

Could Punk Return?

As soon as reports began that AEW could cut Punk, rumors circulated of a WWE return.

Last month, it was noted that WWE’s Head of Talent Triple H has “softened” his stance on Punk, and that the two could make amends.

Punk and WWE have been very hostile against each other since Punk’s 2014 walkout.

A WWE higher-up said last month that they are against the idea of a Punk return and would ‘vote no’ on the idea.

CM Punk’s future in wrestling remains unclear as he could stay with AEW, return to WWE or never wrestle again following his backstage fight with Kenny Omega and The Young Bucks after AEW’s All Out pay-per-view.

As a result of his involvement in the fight, he was stripped of the World Title and suspended. Punk is reportedly in talks with AEW about a contract buyout. 

Eric Bischoff shared his opinion on CM Punk while speaking with Wrestling Inc. According to Bischoff, he doesn’t think Triple H should bring him back. 

Eric Bischoff on CM Punk

“I don’t know what Paul Levesque is thinking, I don’t know what their plans are, their strategies are, so I have no idea. I can tell you from my perspective, I wouldn’t touch him with a 10-foot pole. I think CM Punk had a mystique because of WWE, and because of the pipe bomb interview, and because he walked out, that created this aura and mystique that [AEW CEO] Tony [Khan] brought to AEW and took advantage of for a minute. And once that mystique was gone, once you kind of let that air out of the balloon, and now you’re just performing every week, I didn’t see it in Punk. I just didn’t see it in him as a character, I didn’t see it in him in the ring –- he was good, but he wasn’t phenomenal.”

Bischoff also shared a handful of reasons he doesn’t think Punk would find success in returning to the company ranging from his age, lack of being in great shape, and WWE being more intense and physical than AEW with its style. 

Bischoff also thinks the fans turned on Punk and left a bad taste in their mouth, and they realize that that mystique is no longer there as he’s just another guy. Bischoff doesn’t see value in Punk anymore. 

CM Punk returned to the airwaves Thursday night for Cage Fury Fighting Championships (CFFC).

Punk has been doing commentary for CFFC since November 2018. The former AEW World Champion hasn’t made any public appearances since September’s explosive AEW All Out pay-per-view, but he was back cageside alongside MMA journalist John Morgan for CFFC 114.

Morgan posted a photo alongside his broadcasting partner, which you can see below:

CFFC 114 takes place from Tampa, Florida at the Seminole Hard Rock Casino. The main event features Blake Smith vs. Kendly St. Louis. The 13-fight card streams on UFC Fight Pass.

Visit MMANews.com for UFC news and Mixed Martial Arts coverage.

Colt Cabana was reportedly afraid that CM Punk’s arrival to AEW would result in him losing his job.

Punk joined AEW in August 2021 after over seven years away from wrestling following his WWE walkout in January 2014.

The Chicago-Made wrestler has captured two AEW World Championships in the company, the first at Double or Nothing 2022 and the second at September’s infamous AEW All Out event.

Losing a Job

Not long after Punk’s arrival in AEW, appearances by Cabana on TV dried up, and some have said that this was something Punk had orchestrated.

During the latest episode of his Keepin it 100 podcast, Konnan recalled meeting with Cabana at an AEW event and asking about Punk.

“When I saw Colt Cabana backstage, I remember asking him, ‘So what’s up with you now that Punk is back?’ He was like, ‘Yeah, man. We’re not really talking.’ I go, ‘Come on, dude. After all these years, you guys were boys’ He said, ‘Yeah, man. He just won’t talk to me.’ He would kind of look around, like, he knew [he was going to be fired.]”

Konnan added that looking back, it was clear that Colt thought he was “going to get the ax” and said that Khan would have done so to make Punk happy.

Cabana has not been fired from AEW, but has been moved to the Ring of Honor roster, which some have suggested was done to keep the former friends apart.

No Going Back

Punk and Cabana were once the closest of friends, but that changed due to a legal dispute regarding WWE.

When WWE physician Dr. Chris Amann sued the pair for defamation (over comments made by Punk on Colt’s podcast) Punk allegedly offered to pay Cabana’s legal fees.

Punk has claimed that this wasn’t the case, which led to the fallout between the two, something that Colt believes can’t be fixed, according to Konnan.

“I remember telling him ‘Bro, you can’t even sit down and just say, Hey, let’s reset our relationship.’ He said, ‘Nah, man. He won’t even talk to me.’“

Konnan recalls a conversation with Colt Cabana about CM Punk.

Konnan added that he was pleased to see Colt make his AEW TV return recently, challenging ROH World Champion Chris Jericho on the November 2, AEW Dynamite.

This marked Cabana’s first AEW TV match in close to a year, which Konnan summed as down to “chicanery” and “politics.”

h/t – WrestlingNews

CM Punk’s pro wrestling future is up in the air for his involvement in the All Out brawl with The Elite and Ace Steel after a controversial All Out media scrum where he ripped Kenny Omega, The Young Bucks, Colt Cabana, and Hangman Page. 

Punk is still on the shelf with an injury suffered at AEW All Out as he had surgery, and the expectation is he will be out of action for several months. The former AEW World Heavyweight Champion continues to be in talks with AEW about them buying out his contract and potential litigation. It’s been reported that most people do not expect Punk to return to AEW. 

Punk’s Future

Fightful Select confirmed a previous Wrestling Inc report about no active litigation against Punk. There are no working plans to bring Punk back to the company.

A WWE source indicated the company would likely be interested in possibly working with Punk again. Fightful notes that representatives from multiple pro wrestling companies have said they would at least be interested in having talks with Punk. Still, they aren’t sure how motivated he’d be to continue his wrestling career. 

Several people still expect a big demand for Punk to make appearances if he’s available.

One source close to Punk said they would not rule out him wrestling in the future because he “got the wrestling bug again.”

Punk is far from being able to wrestle again due to his torn left triceps injury, so it’s unclear whether Punk will feel the same way months down the line. The source close to Punk indicated that it’d been made clear to them that at least options would be available if and when Punk wanted to wrestle again.

AEW’s controversial former World Champion CM Punk has yet to file any legal action against the company, amid reports of a buyout.

Punk has been absent from programming since September’s All Out Pay Per View due to his actions after the show.

The two-time AEW World Champion had explosive comments on the All Out post-show, with a fight breaking out between himself and the Elite backstage afterward.

Legal Action

It has been suggested by some that Punk could sue AEW if he is released from the company, just over a year after his epic arrival at Rampage: The First Dance.

Others have suggested that AEW could sue Punk, possibly for defamation, after criticizing the company’s EVPs The Elite.

Punk infamously said that Kenny Omega and the Young Bucks, wouldn’t know”how to manage a target” and accused them of sharing false information about him.

On Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer said that no lawsuits have been filed yet from Punk to AEW.

“As far as I know, there aren’t [any lawsuits yet] but that doesn’t mean that there won’t be. I suppose it’s possible on the other side, too, but I have not heard that. I mean the key to this is so much of the stuff has not come out and I don’t know that it ever will.”

Special guest Nick Hausman of Wrestlin Inc added that AEW has not filed any suits at Punk over his comments and behavior.

“I’m under the impression there’s no litigation against Punk at this moment.”

Nick Hausman.

Radio Silence

While fans have been clamoring for answers, Tony Khan has been noticeably silent on the matter and the investigation which has since concluded.

Speaking about AEW’s radio silence, Meltzer added that he doesn’t expect a public statement from Khan no matter what comes next.

“As far as what the investigation shows, I don’t think we’ll ever know that. I don’t think we’ll ever hear anything from AEW on this subject. I mean, maybe in years, we might, but I don’t expect to. Just from the fact that we haven’t [heard anything from AEW yet.]”

While Ace Steel is believed to have been fired from AEW last month, nobody from the company has publicly confirmed this.

Earlier this year, Cody Rhodes shocked the wrestling world by leaving the company he co-founded to go back to WWE. He debuted at WrestleMania 38 in of the most anticipated moments in recent WWE history.

Unfortunately, “The American Nightmare” has been out with a torn pectoral muscle. He wrestled Seth Rollins at Hell In A Cell with the painful-looking injury. His return is believed be around Royal Rumble in January.

Rhodes Clarifies Why He Left AEW

A Twitter account posted a picture of The Elite and Rhodes with the caption, “They changed the world”. Someone replied to the tweet and asked “then why did Cody leave?” This drew a direct reply from Rhodes.

In his response, Rhodes clarified that he didn’t leave AEW because of The Elite or CM Punk. In fact, he said that he didn’t “have issues with Punk. We got along.” He also stated that he is “forever bonded” with Kenny Omega and the Young Bucks.

Rhodes said he left due to a “personal issue and my wanting to go for the big one.”

Since his return to WWE, Rhodes has stated his desire to be WWE Champion. According to reports in recent months, there were no plans to make him champion prior to his injury.

• Nick Hausman on Talks with CM Punk’s Camp After AEW All Out: “Doesn’t Sound Like a Guy Coming Back”