There were numerous reactions to CM Punk returning to WWE over the weekend at Survivor Series and numerous outlets have reported updates on the reactions of existing superstars.
First and foremost, Fightful Select reports that superstars in the main event of the show were only told about CM Punk returning at the end of the show right before making their way out to the ring for the main event. At least one superstar was said to be legitimately upset upon hearing this news before going to the ring.
At the conclusion of the match, before CM Punk even made his return, Drew McIntyre was seen storming out of the ring and making his way up the ramp to the backstage area. It was said by PWinsider that McIntyre immediately went to the locker room area, slammed the door, threw on a hoodie, and left the arena. It was said to be very obvious that McIntyre was not happy and there were no cameras anywhere near him during this time. It is said that McIntyre’s frustrations are not a work and are legit.
While this was happening, CM Punk made his way out to the live crowd and it was revealed that he was returning to the company. Randy Orton grabbed a chair in the ring and took a seat, waving to CM Punk as Punk waved back and mimicked his in-ring pose. Rhea Ripley was standing outside of the ring and flipped him the bird while mimicking his pose. Other superstars of the winning team, including Seth Rollins, Sami Zayn, Cody Rhodes, and Jey Uso were already outside of the ring standing as they watched Punk.
At one point, Rollins began trying to approach Punk up the ramp while flipping him off and repeatedly saying ‘F*** you.’ Michael Cole and Corey Graves had to hold back Rollins and try to calm him down as the show went off air. Fan video captured Graves telling Rollins that it wasn’t worth it as Rollins said “he needs to get the f*** out of here and to the back before I knock him the f*** out.” Eventually, Punk left the stage area and Rollins was led backstage by WWE security and Graves/Cole.
Fightul Select reports that when Rollins got to the back, Triple H and Michael Cole had to escort him away as he was visibly upset by the return and looking for Punk. CM Punk was apparently confused by the reaction which led to an awkward scene in the back. It was reiterated that there is always the possibility that it could be a work. Most people in the company believe that Rollins is smart enough to capitalize on the situation in a professional manner.
It was said that the way Triple H handled the return could cause some trust to be lost in the locker room. It should be reiterated that it was NOT all negative, as many superstars backstage greeted him with open arms and were filmed for digital content. CM Punk is expected to be at RAW in Nashville, TN this week.
