CM Punk was backstage at WWE Raw in Chicago.
PWinsider reported that CM Punk was briefly backstage at April 24's WWE Raw. Those that we spoke to said that they got eyes on Punk speaking to talent, including chatting with Miz, who he's had cross words with on Twitter in the past. Those that we spoke to said it appeared that the two were getting along. Punk was also seen speaking with Baron Corbin, Bobby Lashley and Tamina.
Punk was looking to have a short talk with Triple H, who was clearly surprised that Punk was there. The two shook hands, Punk asked if he was able to hang around. Triple H said he had to ask if that would be permitted. CM Punk was asked to leave by Jim Kelly, WWE's head of security, at the request of management. Punk had been under the impression that it was a Vince McMahon call.
Those that we spoke to said that Punk left without incident. Triple H was said to have been clearly shocked to see Punk, but almost everyone there was shocked, and it didn't seem to affect Triple H throughout the night.
Numerous wrestlers in WWE believed that the move was a publicity stunt for a return to AEW soon. There were several AEW talent in disbelief when they heard that he was backstage at Raw. WWE talent were shocked that he got backstage, even though he's got history in the company. However, nobody heard that anything contentious was said or done and that Punk was pleasant backstage. While it was mentioned by one talent that Punk seemed to be making amends, they also noted that he could have done that in any other capacity and WWE could have got a heads up and been prepared for him to be there.
Punk had indicated that he was invited by friends to visit backstage. We were told that AEW didn't reach out directly to Punk regarding him being backstage, at least Monday. There is no concern about Punk jumping to WWE, as he still has a lot of contract time left, and plans are in place for him to rejoin AEW.
After showing up at NJPW to watch Mercedes Mone recently, Punk also showed up at WWE Raw backstage this week. Today, he's at IMPACT Wrestling visiting.
We're told Punk was welcomed there and brought through by security, even by numerous fans. Those we spoke to said he's backstage mingling with talent, posing for pictures and in a good mood. He even ended up playing a game of Uno backstage. Everyone that we spoke to said his time there was a pleasant experience and he was welcomed there.
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