CM Punk reportedly expressed interest in a WWE return while still working for AEW

As previously noted, CM Punk was reportedly backstage at the April 24th 2023 edition of WWE RAW in Chicago for a brief period of time to visit people but was asked to leave. Punk was injured and under contract to AEW at the time.

According to Fightful Select, people close to Punk have claimed that he was open to the idea of leaving AEW and making a return to WWE back in December of 2022. It’s believed that Punk was specifically interested in making an appearance at the 2023 Royal Rumble PLE if he had gotten out of his AEW contract.

Fightful also noted the following…

“One of the rumored ideas that Punk had – not confirmed with he or his camp – actually made its way back to some WWE talent. The idea was that Punk would return at the 2023 WWE Royal Rumble, and work match at WWE WrestleMania against the person who would eventually eliminate him. Word within WWE was that Kevin Owens was the name thrown around. He’d go on to main event night one of WrestleMania.”

Twitter account Better Wrestling Experience (@BoozerRasslin), which has leaked RAW and Smackdown plans in recent months, tweeted the following messages in regards to Punk…

“I mean no one controlled him appropriately other than the old guy [Vince McMahon]. He knows his worth. Will he be open for a last run + HOF and sail out? Very likely yes. Theyre interested. But the worry here is legal actions hes about to go through. This might be the hurdle..”

“Vince is too busy dealing with big money projects. Its Nicks [Nick Khan] choice if [Triple] H wants him.

Since his termination from AEW, there has been internet speculation about Punk potentially returning to WWE once he is legally able to.