CM Punk could return to major promotion for the first time in almost two decades, according to former WWE and AEW star
CM Punk could make his comeback to a major promotion for the first time in nearly two decades, according to a former WWE and AEW personality. The individual in question is Ace Steel.
TNA and WWE have engaged in a collaboration in recent weeks, with multiple stars from the Tennessee-based promotion making appearances on NXT, including Jordynne Grace, Frankie Kazarian, and the highly popular Joe Hendry. On the other hand, NXT talent Tatum Paxley unsuccessfully challenged for the Knockouts World Title at TNA Against All Odds 2024.
During an interview with Lucha Libre Online, Ace Steel discussed the prospect of CM Punk appearing on TNA in light of the Triple H-led company's partnership with the sports entertainment juggernaut. He alluded to earlier reports claiming that the former AEW World Champion had been spotted visiting talent in TNA last year and pointed out that the possibility could not be ruled out given the unpredictability of the wrestling business.
Steel stated that he was not making any definitive promises, although he provided a reminder of the fact that at one point, Punk returning to WWE was thought to be unlikely.
"You never know what's going to happen with professional wrestling. It's famously been reported that Punk was backstage quite a few times at TNA just visiting with talent... So you never know what's gonna happen. I would never rule anything out. I'm not saying that's definite by any means, but no one thought he'd be back in WWE and here he is, and he's loving every minute of it."
Punk made a number of appearances in TNA between 2002 and 2004. He wrestled several matches for the company and was in a tag team with Steel.
Steel joined TNA in February this year as a producer and provided backup to Joe Hendry for his match against Frankie Kazarian at Against All Odds 2024.
CM Punk cost Drew McIntyre at WWE Clash at the Castle 2024
CM Punk made his blockbuster return to WWE after his termination from AEW in 2023. The Best in the World competed in the 2024 Men's Royal Rumble but suffered an unexpected injury at the PLE, which put him on the shelf. Despite being unable to wrestle, however, Punk has kept fans glued to his rivalry with Drew McIntyre, which the two men have advanced on social media and on television.
The Scottish Psychopath challenged Damian Priest for the World Heavyweight Championship at Clash at the Castle 2024. Toward the end of the match, McIntyre had the Judgment Day member down for the count in the absence of a referee.
A new official slid into the ring to seemingly count the pin but stopped at two, and it was revealed to be Punk. The latter's interference ultimately cost McIntyre the victory in front of his hometown crowd. On RAW after Clash at the Castle, McIntyre revealed that he was quitting WWE.
It remains to be seen what the future holds for the rivalry between Drew McIntyre and CM Punk.