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CM Punk has become a myth in the pro wrestling world. No, he didn't fade into obscurity or become a hermit who lived in the wild, living off the land. He remained active in the media zeitgeist, looking for a path forward. While creating waves across the pro wrestling world, his entry into the UFC proved to be less than favorable.
But that didn't stop CM Punk from exploring other options. He commentates for Cage Fury Fighting Championships and has even started acting in feature films like Girl on the Third Floor and, as most know by now, in a supporting role on the wrestling-themed drama Heels.
For months, the speculation has been at a fever pitch. Ever since AEW arrived on the scene, Tony Khan has made it clear that Punk was one of the first people he wanted to sign for a variety of different reasons. There was an offer, but things didn't pan out. Both the promotion and CM Punk seemed to have different versions of those meetings.
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But shortly after those rumblings started, FOX Sports' WWE Backstage came along, and people assumed that Punk had returned to Vince McMahon's promotion. Of course, these assumptions were just that, as it was clear, he was a FOX hire and not a WWE one.
Backstage didn't last, and CM Punk now found himself back in the AEW rumor mill, assuming that he will make his debut on the upcoming episode of AEW Rampage located in Chicago. Let's presume that the rumors are true, and he is indeed signing with All Elite Wrestling. Here are five reasons why it's a good time for him to do so.
#5 CM Punk and AEW stars have things in common
CM Punk was always considered a 'rebel' in WWE. On the independent scene, he learned his trade alongside former friend Colt Cabana, becoming a leading character in some prominent promotions.
Punk's style and demeanor were not what was expected from WWE at the time, with him being a 'small' guy, but he exceeded expectations. People like Cody Rhodes, and to a lesser extent, Jon Moxley, left the company looking for ways to exceed their defined parameters.
AEW has a collection of NJPW, IMPACT Wrestling, and other 'independent' stars alongside former WWE Superstars that make up a good chunk of the roster. In a sense, Punk is in good company.
#4 AEW is here for the long term
CM Punk may have turned down AEW more than a year ago for a variety of reasons, though it varies. According to Konnan, it was primarily about the money he wanted.
"I do remember when I was negotiating with AEW, and they were telling me about him. They were telling me that he was asking for like an astronomical amount of money. They really wanted to work with him," said Konnan.
CM Punk's story differs but let's not dig up the past and instead look to the future. Because it indeed lies with AEW. The promotion only seems to be growing with the premiere of Rampage on TBS and the multiple hours of Dark and Dark: Elevation on Elevation besides its flagship show, Dynamite.
They have managed to survive and grow their business during the Pandemic with no crowds thanks to innovative productions and cinematic matches. The company is living up to the 'Elite' name in more ways than one.
Starting a new promotion is always risky, and perhaps, CM Punk was aware of that at the time, but this is mere speculation. If anything, the growing roster, dedication to real storylines, and building characters might have been the linchpin for The Voice of the Voiceless reportedly signing with AEW.
#3 CM Punk will have creative freedom in AEW
While CM Punk left an impact on the business in WWE, it isn't wrong to say that some of the momentum he had was sucked out due to poor creative decisions. It never quite reached the magnitude that was afforded to men like John Cena, Stone Cold Steve Austin, and The Rock.
In AEW, so far, most of the talent has had a lot of input into their creative allowing for better stories and feuds that have carried over well. One must only look to Chris Jericho, whose creativity and legendary status have ensured his staying power.
Punk has that in more ways than one, and there's no telling what he could do when left to his devices. Indeed, people like Tony Khan have provided the canvas for his wrestling artists to paint their masterpieces.
While it's a well-known fact that CM Punk hasn't wrestled a live match in seven years, his co-star Stephen Amell from Heels, alleges that The Voice of the Voiceless can still go. Does Punk have the hunger and drive to make up for the seven years he lost? Only time will tell.
#2 CM Punk's road to Hollywood goes through AEW
Unless you're living under a rock, every wrestling fan knows that CM Punk has a substantial role in the new TV series, Heels, playing a veteran wrestler named Ricky Rabies. Stephen Amell had matches with Punk on the show, and said that "Punk took such good care of him."
While it would be presumptuous to suggest that this led back to his love of wrestling, that possibility remains. But there might be another reason. CM Punk has subtly moved into an acting career, which by all means, is a path that he seems intent on taking.
Having already acted in a couple of feature films, bagging a role on a premium cable network show, it would make sense that he would want to improve on that. Punk would only multiply his chances of moving on to larger 'canvases' by appearing weekly on TNT.
With people like Batista and John Cena paving the way for other wrestlers to move into another entertainment medium, it could only prove to be a boon. The former believes that Punk is set for bigger things, and it's possible; he's not that far off the mark.
#1 CM Punk's last dance
CM Punk commands the masses in pro wrestling. He's always been asked when he will return, rather than the other way around. Perhaps, the wrestler in him always wanted to return. When he left WWE in 2014, he certainly didn't enjoy the art form that he once loved.
2021 is a different story. Perhaps, he has had enough time away from the business to grow attached to it all over again. He has undoubtedly allowed speculation to fester about his eventual wrestling return, as if a hero rising from the ashes to battle the forces of evil one last time. Who are the evil forces? Let's leave that to the fans to decide.
AEW was created due to some fans' disinterest in the WWE product. So far, it has not disappointed with the quality of its matches, storylines, and overall production value. Their roster is a combination of veterans, mainstream talent, indie darlings, and bonafide legends.
That may seem like the fertile ground for a performer like CM Punk, but of course, his return to wrestling would be a groundbreaking event on its own and put more eyes on AEW. While it's unclear if his return to pro wrestling would be his last, it's certainly intriguing that Rampage's show in Chicago is dubbed 'The First Dance.'
Assuming that CM Punk does sign with All Elite Wrestling and appears on Rampage, the roar that would erupt in that stadium could match the one all those years ago at Money in the Bank. AEW and fans alike will soon find out if The Best in the World receives the accolades he once experienced.
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