WWE Rumor Roundup: 10-year veteran to be released, Big star praised backstage by Vince McMahon - 15th November 2019

#8. The original plan for CM Punk, backstage reaction to Punk's WWE return

The WWE Universe is rejoicing CM Punk's return to WWE programming. While Punk may not be back as an in-ring talent, he is involved with the company he left on bad terms years ago and that's a great sign.

Punk made his debut on WWE Backstage as a special contributor and analyst and will appear on the show on select dates.

Dave Meltzer reported that the original pitch from FOX was to get Punk on board as the co-host of the show. However, the plan was changed and they instead signed him up for a different role.

"At the time we had learned and reported that his agent had attempted to get him on the newly planned FS 1 show as an analyst. FOX at one point pushed for him to co-host the show."

Meltzer also added that the people who were aware of Punk's comeback were initially quite negative about the whole situation. However, they always knew that the former WWE Champion would be offered a deal by FOX.

Those in WWE who were aware of it, noted negativity about it at first, because of the past bad blood. But later, when he got a tryout, we were told that the expectation was that an offer would be made to him. He had claimed to have not gotten an offer when asked. That could have been true, or it could have been to build for the surprise moment.

Fightful Select also reports that people backstage believe that WWE would be making a big mistake if they don't use CM Punk at Survivor Series. Another high-ranking WWE official didn't even wish to comment about Punk, stating that he 'doesn't have time for that guy'.

A veteran WWE name revealed to Fightful Select that Punk has burnt a lot of bridges behind the scenes.

As you may have imagined, there is a lot of speculation going around about Punk possibly lacing up his wrestling boots again, however, we have heard nothing that positively hints towards the same.

For now, Punk is solely focussed on 'changing the culture' by being a part of the WWE Backstage panel.

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