Punk definitely went out of his way to drop the "I've got a lot of time on my hand for 2 months" line at Cage Fury. Obviously lines things up for Survivor Series in Chicago.

Doesn't necessarily mean Punk and WWE have reached a deal, mind. Think it would be smart of Punk to basically tease the idea and maybe try to force WWE's hand now they have a chance to make a "splash".

Worst WWE could say is no, and even still, you'd have some people online saying it's WWE's fault for not delivering Punk even if they themselves didn't tease him appearing at all.

With that said, if I were a betting man I'd say Punk will end up being at Survivor Series. If he wants to continue wrestling I'm not really sure anyone other than WWE could afford what he'd want. Don't think NWA or Impact would pay what he wants and maybe he'd find it to be too small-time at this point.

NJPW could probably pay him a shitload to work the Dome and other select dates but they are very loyal to their affiliates and they might not be willing to do it/would feel the need to get the OK from AEW first.

I know Survivor Series is in Chicago and all that but if he took a couple more months off, the 2024 Royal Rumble would be a really fitting date. Literally 10 years to the day he walked out.

Cody's the only person to really bring up AEW in WWE. Never by name directly, but in some of his return promos he's definitely alluded to AEW. And it was always in positive terms. Think Roman might've called them a glorified indy when he promo'd against Cody ahead of Mania but I can't remember. But that's about it.

Generally, feels like WWE wouldn't see the need to bring up/bury AEW but Punk might change things slightly. I doubt he'd go on a full shoot promo ot bring the company or anyone by name but he'd 100% do some sort of inside baseball reference. Maybe the "some people say they're scared for their life when I'm around" joke from Cage Fury. Just tough to imagine a guy like Punk not saying <i>something</i> about a company he had a bitter exit from.

Need to come back as a WWE stooge in full suit and claim that “the CM in CM Punk always stood for Company Man Punk”.

"I left sports entertainment in 2014..." - CM Punk

Trips refusing to pay for Cult of Personality so he comes out to a generic ass song

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Lol, Joe just buried the whole TK perspective on the incident. Said it wasn’t very intense at all. Joe’s Cena Nuff.

2024 Rumble will be 10 years after Punk walked out whether he comes back at Survivor Series or not (not to the day). He can talk about it if he’s actually back beforehand.

Joe also doesn't wanna sound like he's softer than melted butter since he remembers he's still a pro wrestler. I doubt it was much of an actual issue, and he probably did think it was a slap and tickle fight (as it sounds like), but his branding is worth keeping in mind.

“…and I’ve missed it every day since. There is no place like home, and my home is right here in WWE.”

Lean into it.

Proceeds to lunge into the WWE Universe.

I hope Tony Khan feels safe wherever he is.

I also think a big, tough motherfucker who knows how to fight has a much different perspective than a 5'7", 150 lb businessman who has never been in a fight in his life.

Punk maybe was just throwing shit, slamming a desk or whatever but I can see why even the slightest threat of physical contact would scare a guy like that shitless.

In any normal business setting, I get it. I worked in HR. I've seen HR managers call security and have them hover just outside the office ready intervene if they were getting ready to fire an employee they suspect could cause a scene. I think everyone should know some level of self defense, but lots of people will avoid ever getting into that scenario ever. The prospect of it scares them.

It just seems extra funny to have that approach in a wrassling locker room, a physical business where you've got tons of alpha personalities walking around.

Samoa Joe once "no sold" two slaps from Kevin Nash backstage after he cut a shoot promo on Scott Hall for "no showing" a TNA PPV.

I wonder how Vince would've handled it...

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After years of implying Joe took it like a bitch, Nash said basically, "yeah he coulda double-legged me but didn't out of respect."

At that point of his career, even Rey Mysterio could beat him up with two swift kicks to the quads.

Vince at 74 was less scared of one of the baddest dudes on the entire planet than Tiny at 40 was of a 170 pound guy headlocking a 130 pound guy :rofl:

This is where the Adam Pearce steps in and gives punk the “don’t do that” look. Remember when Austin faked going corporate and came out in suit and tie and went to do his usual turnbuckle entrance but Vince was like “nah”. Basically that.

Also, don’t want any broken feet.

I think it’s worth noting that he’s going against the AEW narrative that it was so horrible and lives were at risk.

A CFFC commentator took the piss out of the whole situation when calling a show with Punk.