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#3. WWE officials feel CM Punk has already signed with AEW
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It's been nearly seven years since CM Punk left WWE and retired from pro wrestling, and it feels like all the roads are finally leading to a monumental AEW signing.
As reported first by Fightful Select and later backed by various other outlets, CM Punk has been in talks with AEW regarding a possible contract.
In the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer provided an update regarding the reaction on WWE's side of things.
A source from WWE told the Wrestling Observer that the general belief within the company is that CM Punk has already signed a deal with AEW.
While AEW is unlikely to confirm CM Punk's acquisition, many developments within WWE indicate that the former star's AEW debut is approaching.
Here's what Meltzer reported in the Newsletter:
With Punk, a WWE source has said that internally the belief is that Punk has signed with AEW. There are a number of things going on behind-the-scenes that would indicate that, but nobody in AEW has confirmed it, and of course, they won't until the decision is made for them to go public with something of that magnitude.
When it comes to Daniel Bryan's status, Meltzer added that AEW has been in conversation with the superstar for months. It was noted that the company with a New Japan deal was most likely to secure Daniel Bryan's signature.
Nick Khan tried to broker a deal between WWE and NJPW, which would have attracted Daniel Bryan's interest. However, as things stand, AEW seems to have a stronger relationship with New Japan, and Daniel Bryan has also reportedly made his decision.
While Daniel Bryan, CM Punk, and AEW will not confirm any deals, the debuts seem inevitable at this point.
