With a potential return to AEW looming large, CM Punk has been making the rounds at other wrestling brands. Tonight, he appeared at IMPACT Wrestling ahead of the company’s second night of tapings for Spring Slugfest.
A report from Fightful’s Sean Ross Sapp notes that Punk visited the company today, and was “welcomed there and brought through by security,” a stark difference to what happened to him when he visited WWE last week. Various fans in attendance also caught CM Punk in a variety of photographs, including him interacting with fans outside of the venue.
Last week, Punk shocked fans by appearing backstage at the April 24 episode of WWE Raw. In an extensive update from Mike Johnson of PWInsider, CM Punk was traveling back from Flordia, where he was doing commentary for Cage Fury Fighting Championships. The All Elite Wrestling star ended up on the same plane as several WWE talents and was informed during the flight that RAW was scheduled for the Allstate Arena in his hometown.
Punk decided to go at some point, and some WWE talents got him into the backstage area. He remained in what was described as the “common area,” and it was there he interacted with both The Miz, who he reportedly squashed past heat with, and Triple H, who told him he needed to check in with the “big guy” to make sure it was okay that he was there.
Roughly 20 minutes after arriving, WWE Security approached Punk and informed him that he wouldn’t be allowed to remain there. The All Elite Wrestling star was respectful of the decision, said his goodbyes, and left without an issue.
As previously reported, AEW is planning for Punk’s return in June alongside the launch of a new Saturday show. One obstacle to Punk’s return could be Jericho, given their past issues.