Rocky Romero shares his thoughts on CM Punk potentially coming to NJPW.
Former AEW and WWE World Champion CM Punk remains one of the most buzzworthy free agents on the open market. AEW released him on September 2 following his involvement in a backstage incident with Jack Perry at AEW All In. Since then, Punk has been linked to a return to WWE or a move to IMPACT/TNA Wrestling.
However, NJPW could also be a possible destination. Punk had been set fo face Hiroshi Tanahashi at AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door 2022, but the match was called off after Punk injured his foot. Punk later defeated Satoshi Kojima at AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door 2023.
In an interview with Fightful's Sean Ross Sapp, Rocky Romero was asked about Punk potentially coming to NJPW.
"You never know. Obviously, we didn’t really get to do many crossovers when Punk was with AEW. There was supposed to be that Tanahashi and Punk match that never happened. I think Punk coming and doing Wrestle Kingdom or a big show like that could be, I think, great for our product. Obviously, getting fresh eyes and everything that he brings to merchandise and everything else. I wouldn’t be opposed to it at all," Romero said.
Given NJPW's working relationship with AEW, it's fair to wonder how that could factor into the company potentially using Punk. When asked about this dynamic, Romero stated that he knows Tony Khan, and he would give him the heads up. Romero noted that he does not think Khan would have much to say about it. He also shared his belief that Khan would be cool with it.
"I know Tony pretty well. I would probably give him the heads up like, ‘Hey, this is what’s going on,’ but I don’t think he would have much to say about it. It’s another company. He doesn’t own New Japan, and even though we have a great partnership, I think it’s fine and he’d be cool with it and AEW would be cool with it," Romero said.
Punk previously attended NJPW Battle in the Valley in February 2023 and took in the action from the crowd.
Check out the card for NJPW Lonestar Shootout on November 10 here. Tickets can be found at this link.The show will air live on FITE TV. Fightful will have live coverage of the event as it airs beginning at 8 p.m. ET.
