CM Punk’s wrestling prospects have been under intense scrutiny. The 45-year-old, ever since getting removed from AEW, has really been the talk of the town. Now, Punk is a free agent, and more than him, his fans want to know which route he could possibly take concerning his wrestling career. While some expect he could find NWA as his new home, others believe that Impact might welcome the services of the former AEW champion sooner rather than later.

But most of the wrestling faithful believe that Punk might return to WWE. No matter how much he denies regarding his wrestling future, the fans firmly believe that CM Punk is destined to join his previous home WWE. However, he recently stated that he might not return to the pro wrestling circuit since he had to spend time with his family and enjoy the Chicago weather. Despite the denial, the fans can still hope as there are chances that Punk might return to WWE. Why? Well, these might be the antics used by the veteran to mask his return and develop intrigue. Let’s discover this in detail.

WWE has been hinting at the return of CM Punk for a very long time

It has been nearly two months since Punk parted ways with Tony Khan’s promotion, and WWE has been hinting at subtle references to his return. The first instance could be considered through a Monday Night Raw promo that featured The American Nightmare Cody Rhodes. Well, Rhodes bluntly stated that Jey Uso was the best in the world and should also be given a second chance. This might possibly be a subtle reference to Punk, who was then removed from the AEW roster. Actually, “Best in the World” is a renowned moniker that Punk used in the WWE, and Cody considering Jey Uso as the best might possibly hint at the prospective return of the 45-year-old.

The second example could be another hint that Seth Rollins gave. Though nobody can judge if it was on purpose, the fans believe it was done in reference to CM Punk. Well, during the August 25 episode of RAW, Seth Rollins cut an intense promo that was intended to give a message to his rival Shinsuke Nakamura. However, ‘The Visionary’ said something that was similar to the iconic catchphrase of CM Punk. While targeting Nakamura, he said, “My 100% makes me the best in the world.” This might hint that WWE is sneakily making plans for a feud between Rollins and Punk.

The last of the major hints that were given by WWE was during an episode of SmackDown, where commentator Corey Graves used a line in his commentary. He said, “The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was making the world forget that he existed.” Well, the same was reminiscent of Punk’s past catchphrase from his Ring of Honor days, which caught the attention of the fans, and they started speculating about his prospective return. Graves dropped a couple of more such hints but later denied that they were in reference to Punk.

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No matter what, this could be considered another way of the WWE hinting and then denying CM Punk’s return. In fact, these kinds of denials were done by Punk himself before he stepped foot in AEW.

CM Punk always tries to dissuade people from expecting his return

This is not the first time that his in-ring return has been a matter of intense anticipation. The fans also wanted Punk to return after he parted ways with the WWE in 2014. His return, however, was made possible when Tony Khan welcomed Punk to AEW in August 2021. And the same anticipation existed then as well. Before entering the realm of AEW, the former WWE champion held a Q&A on X (then Twitter). Punk actually refused to hint that he would be joining AEW when asked about it.

Additionally, he said that he doesn’t mind when AEW creates a lot of hype around shocks such as the above, which eventually makes him refute the rumors and theories. Even recently, when he spoke to 670 The Score in Chicago he gave a very different answer to the rumors about his Survivor Series in his hometown of Chicago. Shooting the breeze with humor Punk said, “They’re asking if I’m going to be there? I think it’s sold out. I think tickets are hard to get.” He further said, “I don’t want to burst anybody’s bubble. I’m kind of just sitting at home and enjoying this beautiful Chicago weather.” Notably, the fans might not take this seriously since they know that Punk has been doing this quite often now.

Comments such as these are usually made to throw the fans off and build up more intrigue. Punk’s words here are no different, he doesn’t confirm or deny anything regarding his WWE return.

There is a possibility that either Impact Wrestling or WWE will Punk’s next destination. But at this point in time, it seems more like an uphill climb for Impact to get the services of CM Punk.

WWE still holds appeal for Punk over other promotions

Impact Wrestling recently revealed big news to the fans. The promotion is bringing the iconic name TNA (Total Non-Stop Action) back. And through this, they might think of changing the entire landscape of the promotion, which is struggling to fit itself into the list of major wrestling giants. Also, the promotion has a history of signing numerous WWE legends, and they might target the 45-year-old as well. In fact, Punk was recently seen backstage since he attended the Impact Wrestling on AXS TV tapings at Cicero Stadium.

For some, this might make things certain concerning his career. But it should be noted that the former WWE champion has been performing for a very long time. During that tenure, he has witnessed fans come in numbers to see him wrestle. However, promotions like Impact and NWA usually do not hold colossal gatherings. Thus, Punk might think multiple times before joining either of the promotions. Not to mention the financial limitations of these promotions make it difficult for them to sign a star like Punk. Even NWA head honcho Billy Corgon proposed to Punk to join NWA but honestly stated that the promotion wouldn’t be able to provide the actual worth.

As a result, WWE with its grandeur might still hold appeal for Punk. The promotion has been on the rise and breaking records with its attendances all over the world. Moreover, a Punk return could mean he gets to complete his dream of headlining a WrestleMania as there are two nights of the event now. All these factors could mean a CM Punk return to WWE is on the cards nearly a decade after he left the promotion.

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