What Was CM Punk Doing Backstage At IMPACT Wrestling in Chicago?

CM Punk was backstage at the latest tapings for IMPACT Wrestling following the company's recent Bound for Glory pay-per-view.

Bound for Glory saw World Champion Alex Shelley retain against Josh Alexander in the main event, while IMPACT Knockouts Champion Trinity retained against Mickie James. In the closing moments of the show, IMPACT announced it will return to its TNA name, starting with the promotion's first pay-per-view of 2024, TNA Hard to Kill.

CM Punk was backstage at the tapings after Bound for Glory, Haus of Wrestling has learned. Punk showed up at around 6:30 p.m. CST, just before the tapings began. Punk was quickly taken to the locker room area.

While backstage, Punk was willing to speak with anyone who wanted to get some time with him. "Key IMPACT talent" also spoke to Punk throughout the taping. Given that Punk was at an IMPACT taping earlier this year, talent was not fazed by his presence at the show.

While CM Punk spoke with many at the taping, the former AEW World Champion he did not have much time to speak with Ace Steel. Steel was let go from AEW shortly after Punk's firing last month, and was at Bound for Glory and the following taping trying out as a producer. Steel was warmly received backstage and seemed very happy to be working in the wrestling business once again.

IMPACT decided against Steel appearing on the Bound for Glory broadcast as they did not want fans to take it as a sign that Punk would also be appearing.