Ever since CM Punk was fired from AEW last month, fans have been curious about his next step. They eagerly want to know what the possible route could be for the former AEW world champion. Now, the 44-year-old is not under any contract, which has increased the curiosity amongst numerous wrestling faithful concerning his next step.

Punk has undoubtedly been one of the most successful professional wrestlers in the modern era. Besides being at the top of the list of fans, his blunt persona has resonated with a wide audience, setting him apart in the world of sports entertainment. The former WWE and AEW world champion never thinks twice and honestly lays it on the line. This quality, however, has now not only raised tensions for him but for his fans as well. They want to know whether the former WWE champion will ever wrestle. And if yes, which promotion will he choose going forward? Let’s take a look at where CM Punk might end up next in his whirlwind pro wrestling journey.

CM Punk might return to WWE

After indulging in the backstage controversy at AEW, there might be chances of Punk joining his former promotion, WWE. Don’t forget, this very promotion played an important role in catapulting him towards the frontline. He became the fan favorite because of his in-ring persona and set the benchmark for many in the Stamford-based promotion. However, he couldn’t continue with WWE further because of his clash with the management and a mile-long list of injuries suffered during his years with the promotion. A disgruntled Punk left WWE in 2014 on bitter terms.

But after nine years of waiting, there might be chances that the 44-year-old could again join a new-look WWE. After he became a free agent, he was reportedly in negotiations to return to WWE. According to Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer, those close to Punk reported that it was his intention to return, and both parties are in talks. In fact, there is another link that might make his return even more certain.

Well, WWE is organizing its annual Survivor Series PLE in Chicago. For some, it might just be merely a PLE that has nothing to do with Punk. However, they must note the fact that Chicago is his hometown, and it might be the best possible place for WWE to plan his return. Considering the same, it will be interesting to see if his hometown witnesses him back in WWE.

Also if fans wonder whether Punk will return to WWE despite the bad blood between the two, there have been numerous instances where former WWE stars have put aside differences and did what was best for the business.

Impact Wrestling’s landscape could undergo a transformation if CM Punk joins

Impact Wrestling is just a few months away from bringing its iconic identity back. Yes, WWE’s former arch-rival is rebranding itself as Total Nonstop Action, TNA. Well, the date is also locked since the promotion will transition to TNA in January 2024 during its Hard to Kill pay-per-view. With such a huge announcement, they would surely want to change the entire landscape of the promotion as soon as possible. And to pull it off, CM Punk might help the promotion excel in the pro wrestling circuit.

As per an exclusive report from Haus of Wrestling, CM Punk was found backstage at Impact Wrestling but not at the Bound for Glory event. He showed up just before the show began and was then taken to the locker room area. Also, the report says that Punk conversed with one who wished to spend time with him behind the scenes, allegedly including prominent figures involved in the promotion. Considering this, there might be good possible odds that Impact Wrestling might welcome Punk into the promotion.

Indeed, his presence might get them back on track and increase their fanbase as well. Thus this will surely be a matter of intense scrutiny for all the CM Punk fans.

NWA head honcho is also eyeing CM Punk

The third option for CM Punk could be NWA. Indeed, this promotion has left an indelible mark on the world of professional wrestling. One of the oldest pro wrestling promotions can appeal to Punk, who is thought to be old school. In fact, under the direction of boss Billy Corgan, the NWA has seen an upsurge in recent years. And looking at the recent scenario, it seems that Corgan is eyeing CM Punk to be a part of NWA in the future.

During a recent conversation on The Mat Men Pro Wrestling Podcast, Corgan laid bare his thoughts concerning CM Punk. There, he gave a proposal to the Chicago native, saying that he couldn’t pay him his worth, but if he wanted to have some fun, he could surely have that in NWA. Well, his comments make it obvious that the promotion wants to have Punk; however, his response to the NWA head honcho is still being awaited.

While we have mentioned three probable promotions, who knows if Punk will enter the Japanese frontiers and join the NJPW (New Japan Pro Wrestling)? Since we have seen many pro wrestlers like Cody Rhodes, Chris Jericho, and AJ Styles taking the route of Japan, Punk might be another name that could join NJPW and revive his career on the other side of the world.

Where do you want to see CM Punk turn up? Let us know in the comments.

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