What Does AEW Superstars Have To Say After CM Punk Rejoined WWE Again?

CM Punk, the outspoken and controversial wrestling superstar, made a shocking return to WWE at the recent Survivor Series pay-per-view in his hometown of Chicago. This surprise comeback came after a bitter departure from WWE in 2014 and a short stint in rival promotion AEW. While fans welcomed Punk with loud cheers and chants, reactions within WWE and AEW painted a more complex picture.

Punk’s history with WWE has seen its fair share of real-life animosity. His confrontations with WWE management over creative differences and health issues culminated in a messy exit in 2014. Over the years, Punk was vocal about his resentment towards WWE and stated multiple times that a return was unlikely. Yet, in a dramatic turn of events, he showed up unannounced at Survivor Series, teaming up with Seth Rollins and leading his team to victory.

The closing moments of Survivor Series saw visible frustration from current WWE stars towards Punk stealing the spotlight. Rollins had to be held back by commentators as he gestured angrily towards Punk. Former WWE champion Drew McIntyre also left the arena in a huff, underscoring the discontent. While Rollins’ reaction plays into ongoing storylines, reports indicate McIntyre’s response came from a real place. As a locker room leader, he was allegedly upset about Punk returning instantly to a top spot after years of animosity with WWE.

On the AEW front, current stars had more mixed reactions. Mark Henry took to social media to convey his disbelief, referencing his skepticism about Punk ever returning to WWE. The horror-movie themed wrestler, Danhausen, reacted with a surprised GIF, while real-life couple Andrade and CJ Perry posted about the news using expletives. Their posts highlighted genuine surprise about WWE welcoming back someone who had bitterly criticized them for years.

These responses, especially from current WWE talent, highlight the tense dynamics that Punk’s return might create. After a fiery exit filled with lawsuits and allegations, he is slotted to regain an instant main-event spot. For wrestlers who have been loyal to WWE, this is bound to cause some resentment. Punk has essentially been rewarded with a prime position despite his rebellious history with WWE management.

At 45, Punk is also older than current top stars like Rollins and McIntyre. Younger wrestlers may see his return as a roadblock since they might be asked to put over Punk. WWE’s reported efforts to placate Rollins also underscore the politics at play. The company seems intent on pushing Punk straight back into championship contention, even if that frustrates wrestlers who stuck with WWE during the lows.

The surprising factor about Punk’s return is that there were hardly any signs of it happening. In 2022, he joined rival promotion AEW amidst massive hype and fanfare. While his initial AEW run was hugely popular, a backstage fight with fellow stars led the company to release him. This made his route back to WWE more likely, but fans, pundits and wrestlers alike felt the bridge was permanently burnt between Punk and WWE.

Hence his return at one of WWE’s Big Four pay-per-views has created such waves within the industry. It has blurred the line between real-life and storylines, which has often been the hallmark of the best wrestling angles. The reactions range from delight to frustration, but an element of disbelief runs across most of them – a sense that this return was unthinkable until the very moment that cult Chicago entrance music hit.

What happens from here on promises to be extremely eventful. Punk has always evoked extreme reactions due to his straight-shooting personality – fans and fellow wrestlers either love him or hate him. He represents the anti-establishment spirit that clashes with WWE management yet resonates brilliantly with crowds. Pitting him against company favorites like Rollins or McIntyre makes for gripping storylines fans are already invested in.

But there is also the risk his return falls flat. At 45, Punk might lack the athleticism that once made his matches great viewing. The novelty might wear off quick if WWE doesn’t book him in compelling feuds. Disgruntled wrestlers like Rollins or McIntyre could make trouble backstage if they feel short-changed. Punk brings both tremendous upside and downside risks.

For now, the wrestling world will be glued to how the aftermath continues unfolding. Will Punk address the split reactions to his return from fellow stars? Who will WWE position as his first major feud? Will Punk bring enough momentum to shake up the existing WWE hierarchy? How will fans embrace this comeback after his fiery AEW run?

The only certainty is the increased spotlight on WWE programming. Punk guarantees eyeballs and reactions – both positive and negative. He has the skills to produce gripping television, but also comes with behind-the-scenes baggage. How WWE manages someone this combustible promises a lot of excitement but also a fair bit of turbulence. For now, one thing is guaranteed after the dust settles at Survivor Series – the wrestling world will not ignore CM Punk’s presence. Both fans and wrestlers, from WWE and AEW, will have strong opinions on how this comeback story unfolds across arenas and backstage over the coming months.