Original AEW Debut Plan for CM Punk Revealed

Nothing could have made CM Punk debuting at AEW more perfect than what it was. As the episode started, everyone in the arena was chanting for Punk, and who should walk out to the arena? It’s CM Punk!

It was the perfect way to reintroduce himself to pro-wrestling. No one spoke to introduce him, and no one had to make an announcement about who he was. Everyone knew Punk, everyone was cheering for Punk. It was a historic moment for the AEW Universe.

However, it’s been revealed that Punk’s debut was supposed to be different. According to Tony Schiavone, he was supposed to introduce Punk as “special guest” before he entered the arena.

“Tony [Khan] read over the format and the format had said, ‘special guest’ and Tony had referred to him as ‘special guest.’ True to form, Tony did not say CM Punk’s name at all. He contacted me later in the night said, ‘I’m thinking that I’m going to have you introduce him.’ I said, ‘I’d be honored. But, we need to talk about what I’m going to say. Because, what I’m going to say should be minimal’.”

“Got to the building. My name is on the format; ‘Tony Schiavone introduces special guest.’ CM Punk arrived. I was told he was in his room. The room was marked ‘Special Guest.’ He arrives, has a couple of people with him. I sat there. And talked with him for a little bit. Tony Khan came in and we all sat and talked. It was decided. And I think rightfully so, even though I wanted to be a part of this, it was rightfully so that he would come out on his own.”

While Tony Schiavone maybe not have gotten to introduce CM Punk, he had the opportunity to interview Punk at AEW Dynamite.

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CM Punk truly did not know what to say on his debut episode

In the same conversation, Tony Schiavone revealed that even when Punk was backstage on AEW Rampage, he didn’t know what he wanted to say. The only known thing was the challenged issued to Darby Allin for AEW All Out.

“We had no idea what he was going to say or how he was going to say it. To be honest, if he did, he didn’t lead us on. It really looked like he was really thinking about it hard and it had weighed on him for some time. He had been gone for seven years. He’s such a star and a great talker and a great worker. You’re back in Chicago and you sell out, YOU, sell out the building just on a rumor. That’s star power, buddy.” H/t Fightful

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Apart from CM Punk, another former WWE Superstar is on his way to AEW. In fact, Punk confirmed the news!