CM Punk is back in the news after things have been quiet.
With the uncharacteristic movement on the Brawl Out Situation on Tuesday, October 18 -- Ace Steel being fired, Elite being referenced and being in commercials, and some overall discussion, CM Punk news also emerged.
Wrestling Observer noted that it looks doubtful CM Punk will be back and that those close to the situation claim AEW are in talks with CM Punk about a potential buyout. A non-compete clause seemed to be the holdup. There have been some other wrestlers who'd asked out of their deals who were told they could sit out with an extended non-compete, but still work indies, but they were in a much different situation.
A contract buyout was mentioned very early in the process based on those close to the situation, but as of the Tuesday following Brawl Out, most around Punk told us that "realistically he can't expect to be back." There were numerous AEW talent who said that they aren't interested in working in a locker room that he's involved in again, unless huge amends are made for how the night made All Elite Wrestling look in general. Since the talent meeting that took place days after All Out, the talent we spoke with didn't expect CM Punk back and numerous operated on the assumption he wouldn't be around again.
In addition, we're told that several talent of influence within the company and veterans are opposed to Punk being back. Even his usual supporters have been somewhat quiet during this period.
We spoke with WWE sources, who wouldn't comment in an official capacity, but on background provided us with some insight. They said that they didn't think that Vince McMahon would have brought CM Punk in, especially after Brawl Out, and noted that Fox had pushed for it to happen before AEW signed him. However, the line of thinking that was presented to us under the Triple H regime is that the right situation, right money and right creative can leave the door open for "anything within reason." One said "Triple H wants to be a success and make compelling programming more than anything. CM Punk back in WWE is compelling programming, but I can't see it being a full-time deal like what he has in AEW, because of exactly what happened in AEW. That's even if he as interest. If he gets a buyout he may not need to work again."
Nobody from Punk's side or AEW officially have confirmed or denied anything, and word from AEW offices regarding this situation has been completely silent since it happened. The company hasn't even actually confirmed that suspension happened, despite us knowing it is true.
This article first appeared on our premium service, Fightful Select and was republished here on Fightful. If you complain about it being "old news," you have to hack other websites and steal their scoops for SRS. Subscribe to get exclusive news every day, and a half-dozen weekly podcasts.
To directly support us and our continuing breaking news, interviews, and the like, subscribe to FightfulSelect.com. You'll get exclusive news sent to you directly before anyone else, and dozens of podcasts monthly including Alex Pawlowski's Sour Graps, Sean Ross Sapp's Q&A, Retro Reviews and more
