What’s Next For CM Punk After Reportedly Being Denied By WWE

The wrestling world has been abuzz with speculation about the enigmatic CM Punk’s future after reports surfaced that WWE had allegedly rejected a contract offer. Fans and insiders alike have been closely following the twists and turns of this story, wondering where this rejection leaves Punk’s professional wrestling journey.

Punk’s wrestling journey has been nothing short of remarkable. He left WWE in January 2014 after an illustrious career that spanned over eight years, during which he became a five-time world champion. After his departure, he took a hiatus from the pro wrestling scene that lasted more than seven years, leaving fans craving his return.

In 2021, the wrestling universe was rocked when Punk finally made his comeback with AEW, sending shockwaves throughout the industry. His return was met with widespread celebration, and he went on to become a two-time AEW world champion, solidifying his status as one of wrestling’s biggest draws.

However, as time passed, backstage issues began to mount, casting a shadow over Punk’s AEW tenure. The breaking point came at All In, a monumental event held at Wembley Stadium in London, which saw Punk involved in a backstage altercation with “Jungle Boy” Jack Perry. The altercation followed a taunting remark made by Perry during a match against Hook, ultimately leading to Punk’s contract being terminated by AEW.

This abrupt exit left Punk in a precarious position. At 44 years of age, he found himself without many viable options if he intended to continue his professional wrestling career. WWE, as the industry leader by a substantial margin, appeared to be the most prominent option, but reports suggested that WWE had supposedly rejected Punk’s contract offer.

AEW, the second-largest wrestling promotion, had already severed ties with Punk, and while there were other promotions like Impact Wrestling, NWA, MLW, and GCW, they paled in comparison both in terms of scale and likely in terms of compensation.

New Japan Pro-Wrestling, the third-largest global promotion, was an option, but it required Punk to focus primarily on wrestling overseas. Furthermore, with New Japan Pro-Wrestling maintaining a working relationship with AEW, this move appeared to be a nonstarter.

In recent weeks, WWE seemed to drop subtle hints that raised eyebrows among fans and experts. Notable instances included Shinsuke Nakamura performing Punk’s iconic finishing move, the GTS, on Monday’s Raw. This, coupled with the fact that next month’s Survivor Series premium live event was scheduled to take place in Punk’s hometown of Chicago, gave rise to substantial speculation about Punk’s potential WWE return after nearly a decade away.

However, despite the mounting anticipation, the most current reports suggest that a return to the Survivor Series may not be in the works. Yet, hope remains alive for fans of the “Best in the World,” as a return at the Royal Rumble in January or even at WrestleMania 40 in April could still be possible if WWE revisits the idea of signing Punk further down the line.

Punk’s wrestling career has been characterised by highs and lows, with his reputation as a trailblazer in the industry firmly established. His departure from WWE in 2014 was a landmark moment, sparking the “Cult of Personality” that surrounded him. His return to the squared circle in AEW was a momentous occasion, drawing eyes from both hardcore and casual fans.

Despite the friction that led to his AEW departure, Punk’s legacy remains intact, and many still regard him as one of the most influential wrestlers of his generation. The question now is, where does he go from here?

WWE, the company he left behind in a cloud of controversy, could represent a chance for redemption and a final chapter in his storied career. The allure of a big return in front of his hometown crowd at the Survivor Series was tantalising, but it may not come to fruition as early as some had hoped.

Nevertheless, if Punk’s return to WWE materialises, it would be a significant moment for wrestling fans, offering the chance to witness one of the most iconic and charismatic figures in the business back on the grand stage.

The Royal Rumble and WrestleMania also remain possibilities for Punk’s WWE comeback. These events are among the biggest on the wrestling calendar, and a Punk return would undoubtedly generate immense excitement and anticipation among fans. WrestleMania 40, in particular, would mark a fitting stage for the “Straight Edge Superstar” to make his presence felt.

While the rejection of Punk’s contract offer by WWE has thrown a curveball into the wrestling landscape, it’s worth noting that in the world of professional wrestling, “there’s no such thing as no forever.” The wrestling industry is notorious for its unpredictable twists and turns, and what may seem impossible at one moment can become a reality in the blink of an eye.

CM Punk’s journey in the wrestling world has been anything but ordinary, and the rejection by WWE is just another chapter in his rollercoaster career. Whether it leads to a triumphant return to the company where he made his name or another unexpected twist in his wrestling odyssey, the story of CM Punk continues to captivate fans and insiders alike.

As wrestling enthusiasts eagerly await the next chapter in Punk’s career, one thing remains certain: in the world of professional wrestling, the possibilities are endless, and the unexpected is always just around the corner. CM Punk’s journey is far from over, and the wrestling world will be watching closely to see where he lands next.