AEW is in negotiations with CM Punk about his future, which appears to be uncertain, and new rumors about CM Punk’s potential WWE return in 2022 are emerging
CM Punk has been out of action since suffering an injury during the All Out pay-per-view versus Jon Moxley. AEW also punished him after a backstage incident involving Omega, the Elite, and Ace Steel. According to reports, AEW has released ACE Steel, and since then, speculations concerning CM Punk’s contract and future with AEW have arisen.
CM Punk And AEW Negotiating Contract Buy Out In The Midst Of WWE Return Speculations In 2022
AEW is hoping that WWE will be interested in Punk
AEW are in talks with CM Punk about a buy-out of the remaining years of his contract (WON) pic.twitter.com/xyb16Wvazb
— Wrestle Ops (@WrestleOps) October 21, 2022
Punk and AEW are in discussions regarding the future, but it doesn’t seem likely that he will rejoin WWE at this time. The non-compete clause in the agreement is the sole obstacle standing in the way of AEW and Punk buying out his contract.
It is said that because AEW wants a non-compete provision in the buy-out, talks between Punk and the company have stalled for now. WWE would however be interested in bringing Punk back because no other organisation could pay Punk the salary he was receiving from AEW.
Punk who has a net worth of $12 million was signed to a $3 million per year three year contract by the AEW.
Will CM Punk return to WWE?
Given the circumstances of his departure from WWE in 2014, there is no assurance that Punk will return, according to the Wrestling Observer Dave Meltzer. Meltzer also predicted that Punk coming on WWE TV, even if injured, would be a massive success for the company. The interest could develop more with Triple H in control and AEW now seems to be WWE’s biggest rival.
Whether CM Punk remains in AEW or joins WWE, fans are unlikely to see Superstar in the ring anytime soon. He suffered a tricep injury at the All Out pay-per-view during his match with Moxley for the world championship on September 4.
Punk had surgery, and since rehabilitation would take between six and eight months, the earliest he may resume fighting is March 2023. But the former AEW World Champion is recovering, as he has been seen walking around Chicago with a brace on his left arm. Whether he joins AEW or makes an unexpected comeback to WWE is something that fans will have to wait and watch.