CM Punk…..and IMPACT? It seemed as if a lot of people thought that there was a possibility that Punk could join the company at Bound For Glory, but clearly that didn’t happen.
Fightful reported recently that while it was clearly a longshot, IMPACT Wrestling and those associated with it were open to him coming in to the company. Punk appeared backstage months ago and made a good impression on many there, and got along with a number of people on the roster, seemingly enjoying his time there. As Haus of Wrestling reported, Punk was backstage on Sunday at IMPACT’s tapings, and was seen as very helpful
Ace Steel was brought into the company to work as a producer, which many saw as a sign that the company wanted to get to Punk. However, IMPACT had been interested in Steel when he’d been let go from AEW the first go around, when Punk wasn’t available.
A few weeks ago, those close to Punk claimed they didn’t think he’d want to join the company, but also said that if he woke up one day and just decided he wanted to wrestle Josh Alexander or Motor City Machine Guns, he likely could if he wanted to, with another person in touch with Punk saying he would under the right circumstances. A big hurdle on the surface and the outside looking in would be the salary, as Punk in AEW was annually making about 15-20 times what a lot of the top IMPACT wrestlers were making.
Speaking of TNA Wrestling and money, Will Ospreay had a very positive experience in Chicago this weekend at IMPACT Wrestling shows and noted that he wanted to come back before his NJPW deal is up in February. We’re told by several that Ospreay’s next contract will likely be heavily financially motivated and has realized this will be the most important deal of his career. Earlier this year he’d been keen on staying with NJPW, but he’s since opened up his options. He hired Barry Bloom in the Spring of this year, and AEW and WWE were aware of it by August.
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