CM Punk returns to WWE after 9 years, possible showdown with Seth Rollins

The WWE universe was left stunned when CM Punk, WWE's beloved superstar, made a dramatic return to the company during the closing moments of Survivor Series at the Allstate Arena last night. The 45-year-old, a prominent figure in the wrestling industry, reappeared in WWE after nine years, sending fans into a frenzy.

The entire arena echoed with chants of "CM Punk" as he stood on the ramp, soaking in the overwhelming adoration from the fans. This was the moment CM Punk fans had eagerly awaited for years. Take a look at CM Punk's return:

NEVER. SAY. NEVER.@CMPunk has just returned to WWE at #SurvivorSeries!!! pic.twitter.com/0dpG6vyT5r

— WWE (@WWE) November 26, 2023

The unexpected comeback

• CM Punk is a controversial figure in WWE circles, and although his return was longed for by fans, it was unexpected due to his tumultuous relationship with the company's top executives.
• Known for his outspokenness, Punk was highly critical of WWE's direction in 2014, leading to his departure.
• His last WWE appearance was in 2014 when he terminated his contract, disenchanted by the company's handling of talent based on their whims.
• The 45-year-old wrestler had grievances since 2013, particularly when The Rock returned from retirement, resulting in Punk losing his WWE Championship belt to The Rock at Elimination Chamber.
• His relationship soured with then Chairman Vince McMahon and Chief Operating Officer Paul 'Triple H' Levesque due to this booking against The Rock.
• However, Vince McMahon, always focusing on "What's best for business," recognized the marketability of CM Punk.

Why Seth Rollins might be his first opponent?

• If there's one name in WWE that vehemently dislikes CM Punk, it's Seth Rollins. This could be a significant reason why Punk might square off against Rollins for the World Heavyweight Championship.
• The 37-year-old reigning World Heavyweight Champion once labeled Punk a "cancer" and suggested he stay away from WWE.
• Upon CM Punk's return at the end of Survivor Series, Rollins, along with Randy Orton and others, celebrated their victory, and Punk's return visibly irked Rollins.
• In a post-show video, Punk was seen making derogatory remarks against Rollins, provoking a confrontation where he threatened to pin him down, before being held back by Michael Cole and Corey Graves.

  Corey Graves says to Seth it's not worth it I couldn't get exactly what Michael Cole was saying but
  Seth Rollins said and I quote
  All I'm saying is That he needs to get the fuck out of here and to the back before I knock him the fuck out.
  That was an actual threat of violence pic.twitter.com/zGSMFKrPQD

  — 🗽Mï¢håêl †êþê§🗽🖕 (@FatherOfTears) November 26, 2023

• It didn't end there; the next day at a live show in Peoria, Illinois, Seth Rollins addressed Punk's return further.

Seth Rollins speaks on CM Punk during tonight’s WWE live event:

🎥: @CurrentlyCoyne pic.twitter.com/RQfQvjKti6

— Wrestle Ops (@WrestleOps) November 27, 2023

• "You already know how I feel about that," an irate Rollins expressed to the crowd in Illinois, who chanted "CM Punk" to agitate Rollins.
• He continued, "I'm not going to waste any more breath on somebody who's been gone for 8 years, doing nothing but trying to tear this place down."
• In fact, Rollins was accurate when he accused Punk of trying to dismantle WWE, the very place that molded him into who he is today.
• CM Punk's impactful podcast with Colt Cabana, delving into his discontent with WWE, made it seem like Punk might never return to the company.
• However, no one truly knows what's going on in Vince McMahon's mind. Even Triple H, Punk's nemesis in WWE, wanted him to return, recognizing how it could boost the company's ratings.

CM Punk to address Monday Night Raw

CM Punk is set to speak tonight on Monday Night Raw in Nashville, potentially sparking a feud with Seth Rollins, considering Rollins' storyline with Drew McIntyre has concluded.

This might become the most significant Monday Night Raw in 9 years because fans expect CM Punk to speak his mind, a trait that made him both adored and detested among WWE fans.