CM Punk made his shocking return to WWE at WWE Survivor Series, and two new reports shine some light on the situation.
Mike Johnson of PWInsider reports that, per sources, Punk and WWE agreed to a deal that is believed to be multiple years in length. Johnson’s sources implied that the deal was reached the day of Punk’s return. The two sides had their first communications over the last week ahead of WWE Survivor Series.
Johnson writes that the deal came together quickly after they broke the ice, and WWE sees it as a new beginning. The report notes that delaying Punk’s return until WWE Royal Rumble was considered. However, the feeling was that word would likely have gotten around within WWE, and the plans leaking would have been more probable.
Per Johnson, Punk’s return was rushed, as he could drive roughly 20 minutes to the arena and enter the venue at the last second. Nothing regarding Punk’s appearance on the show had been locked in prior to Saturday.
Additionally, Johnson writes that, upon Punk’s termination from AEW, the general consensus about his potential return was “Let’s make money,” as long as he wouldn’t drive those around him “crazy.”
More Details On How CM Punk’s WWE Return Came Together
Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful (via Fightful Select) reports even more information about CM Punk’s return. He writes that, on November 19, Fightful was told that Punk and Triple H had a productive conversation that mended fences. Triple H himself confirmed that prior reports of a deal between the two sides were pure speculation, as the agreement itself came together quickly. Sapp confirmed that they agreed to terms the day of WWE Survivor Series, and sources near Punk claimed that he hadn’t signed a contract as of Saturday morning.
Per Sapp, a section of the backstage area was cleared out ahead of Punk’s return. Triple H took over producing the Premium Live Event and personally called for CM Punk’s music to hit, per Cory Brennan of Fightful. Sapp writes that talent, head writers, staff, producers, and referees were not told.
Reactions To CM Punk’s Return
Footage of Seth Rollins and Drew McIntyre getting visibly angry in response to CM Punk’s return quickly went viral. Sapp writes that numerous talent felt excited, curious, and just about every emotion, as reactions varied. The report noted that the talent in the main event WarGames match was informed about Punk’s return prior to the start of the bout. One talent claimed to be legitimately upset about Punk’s return.
It’s unclear whether Rollins and McIntyre were actually upset, but they at least claimed to be. Sapp writes that Rollins had to be “ushered away” by Triple H and Michael Hayes once he got backstage, as he was looking for Punk.
Additionally, McIntyre was said to have been visibly upset backstage, and he slammed the door on his way out. Sources close to McIntyre indicated that he confirmed it was linked to Punk’s return, it wasn’t a work, and he was selling on his way to the back to maintain professionalism.
WWE also claimed that any references to CM Punk on WWE programming recently were not done with knowledge of a deal between the two sides, as Punk’s return was not locked in until the day of the show.
Sapp also wrote that there were some positive reactions to Punk’s return, as some old friends greeted him backstage. However, one top talent shared their belief that, while they understood the surprise element, they felt like Triple H could lose some trust due to the situation.
WrestleZone will provide more information as it becomes available.
