Latest on CM Punk's Possible WWE Return: Superstar Responses, Workload, Vince McMahon

Will CM Punk make his return to WWE after close to a decade after his infamous January 2014 walkout?

Ever since Punk's departure from AEW, there have been rumors of a potential comeback to WWE despite the hostile relationship between the two parties. Last month, Punk appeared as a CFFC commentator and said he'd be free for the next two months. Some took this as a nod to Punk returning in November at WWE Survivor Series, which will take place in Chicago, Illinois. Punk is reportedly in talks with WWE about a return.

Fightful Select reports that in late September, they were told that Punk had sent 'feelers' to WWE to see if the company was interested in working with him again. One WWE employee as of last month advised someone close to Punk that talking to Vince McMahon directly would have been the best course of action to secure a return to the company. McMahon was reportedly adamant to FOX that WWE would not bring Punk back despite FOX execs wanting Punk prior to his arrival in AEW in 2021.

Punk was backstage at Monday Night Raw earlier this year, during his first suspension from AEW. One WWE source was convinced that when Punk was at Raw, he was looking to get a job back, but also aren't of the belief it will happen. Others Fightful spoke to said they thought his appearance at Raw was to try and create allies as there had already been bumps in the road prior to his AEW return with the premiere episode of AEW Collision.

While CM Punk could be a WWE Superstar again soon, the former World Champion shouldn't expect a warm welcome. There is still plenty of heat on Punk, with plenty of it stemming from his previous run with the company. One "top star" said that CM Punk is aware that what happened in AEW won't be tolerated in WWE.

"He wouldn't be able to pull any of his sh*t here. There's nobody here he could jump without getting his ass handed to him."

Another top talent said that they believe Triple H wouldn't risk the negativity that Punk would bring, but then did recall that it wouldn't be the first time that he's brought someone in with baggage since being in control. The general feeling is that Punk would need to make amends with a number of influential talents if a return is to work. One source shared their belief that this is actively being worked on.

Both of WWE's current World Champions, Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins, have spoken in the past about not being fond of Punk. Rollins infamously called Punk a cancer in January of this year, echoing comments made by Chris Jericho after All Out 2022.

If Punk is to return, there will need to be discussions about his workload. Punk took great pride in being at work every week with AEW and his salary was above many notable names on WWE's full-time roster. WWE sources told Fightful that it feels like Punk's leverage isn't what it was four months, 14 months, or three years ago, and that could play a big factor in negotiations regarding schedule and pay if he does come back.

While CM Punk is open to returning to WWE, he has hardly had positive things to say about the company. One "top star" from AEW said that prior to the All Out 2022 brawl, Punk would talk about how much he didn't like WWE, Triple H, and Vince McMahon. Punk said at the time that he would be very surprised if he ever went back. The AEW talent added that Punk is now in a "much less forgiving situation from a career perspective."

Fightful adds that the IMPACT Wrestling roster would be in favor of Punk making appearances, as he made a good impression earlier this year when he was around. The report adds that Punk signing with IMPACT is "highly unlikely" but an option.