- By Manish Pandey
- BBC Newsbeat
Image caption,
Guess who’s back… CM Punk hinted he wouldn’t return when he left WWE in 2014
CM Punk’s Dramatic WWE Return
Fans roared with delight upon hearing his theme music at the Survivor Series event in the United States on Saturday night.
CM Punk initially left WWE in 2014 and frequently expressed his frustrations over creative storylines and a lack of medical care towards him.
Speculation had been rife that the 45-year-old would make a comeback after his recent departure from rival wrestling company All Elite Wrestling (AEW).
In a press conference after the show, WWE’s chief content officer Triple H described CM Punk’s return at the show in his hometown Chicago as a bit last minute but incredibly exciting.
“This was one of those lightning in a bottle moments that came together very quickly, but we are incredibly excited about it,” he said.
CM Punk’s potential return to WWE was a subject of doubt after he left a decade ago, as he had often hinted at not making a comeback.
“If you are the same person you were 10 years ago 10 years later, you’ve messed up,” Triple H said.
Image caption,
Fans were loving CM Punk’s return in his hometown Chicago
After leaving WWE in 2014, CM Punk – real name Phil Brooks – had a brief venture into mixed martial arts with UFC. He then joined AEW in 2021 before departing earlier this year after the All Out pay-per-view event at Wembley Stadium.
CM Punk’s shocking WWE comeback included no wrestling match, but his appearance was enough to send fans into a frenzy, with most expressing shock and excitement on social media.
Randy Orton, who also made his return at Survivor Series after more than a year out with injury, shared a smile with CM Punk at the top of the ramp.
WWE star Cody Rhodes added: “If he can help with where we’re going and what we’re doing, absolutely welcome aboard. I have a feeling the CM Punk we’re getting is hungry, and that’s the best.”
Listen to Newsbeat live
at 12:45 and 17:45 weekdays – or listen back here.
