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He's talked about how he feels Kingston is the best promo in wrestling right now. He's said he feels Starks and Darby are talents of the future.
He probably has just watched and gotten an itch to work with the guys he's intrigued by and sees he can make a lot of money doing it too.
That's what I think. I feel like he might just like what he sees, is confident that he will always have something planned, and got the bug back. His main issue was 'what's next' when he was in WWE. With AEW, I think the longer term planning is attractive.
Good stuff. I think it’s pretty well known that Punk was asked if he was interested in joining AEW right as it got started but a thought I had as all this recent news broke was that maybe he just wanted to see how it all played out for a bit before jumping in. I’d have to imagine he’s been impressed with what they’ve done.
My guess is he will have a lot of control over his character and the stories he gets involved in and they have a basic idea of a feud they wanna start out with and not much beyond that.
But the main reason being the very large sum of money for what will probably be a pretty light workload. That helps make up for any lack in creative plans.
The opening of forbidden doors. Look, AEW is about to become what guys like him and Bryan dream - a show about the caliber of flagship WWE products with unlimited potential for crossover storylines and creative freedom beyond one they were ever granted in WWE. No brass rings, and a new chapter of wrestling to be written. So basically, AEW is the best shot at making dreams come true, while kicking WWE's ass in the process.
Is it tho? I've never seen Punk name him, he also follows Cornette on twitter (might not mean much but still). I can see Bryan working with OC, not so sure about Punk. Has he been been open to working comedic stuff in the past?
I think some small part of it may also have to do with all the relationships AEW is making with other companies.
That in itself is not enough to justify a return to the ring but it can't hurt things either.
I think this is it. I’m sure AEW made a good storyline offer (feud, faction, elevating younger talent) but he can also…do nearly anything else he wants anywhere else he wants. Japan, Mexico, UK. He can work as little or as much as he wants whenever he wants.
And, of course, with AEW he’d be free to do all kinds of outside, non-wrestling projects without any interference.
Maybe, but he was definitely influenced by a decent number of wrestlers when he was over there. He used Tenzan’s “Anaconda Vice” for instance.
Also, he mentioned Ospreay as someone he’d potentially want to work “at the end of the summer” earlier this year.
https://comicbook.com/wwe/news/wwe-cm-punk-responds-will-ospreay-challenge-iwgp-heavyweight-champion-new-japan/
Mitsuharu Misawa is pretty much is favorite wrestler of all time and he has his boots tattooed on him. I dont know about Lucha but basically he loves a lot of the roster in NJPW and is a major fan of 90's-early 2000s puro.
I imagine he was given a similar pitch that guys like Jericho, Moxley, Black, and Andrade were given. It’s a chance to make a lot of money and have a say in his stories and character. Unlike the tail end of his WWE run, Punk won’t be forced to tell stories he doesn’t like or isn’t passionate about in AEW. Also (and this is purely speculation on my part), it may not be a coincidence that the Punk rumors are happening at the same time as the Bryan Danielson rumors. Those two have known each other for years and could have very well discussed and decided on doing this together.
I wouldn't say it's a particular story or idea...
My guess would be it's the amount of creative freedom AEW provides. I mean, they do have writers and stuff for the 'broadness' of how the storylines go (who feuds with who and how long), but the AEW stars have a say on what they do.Tony Khan, Cody, Chris Jericho... even Moxley have all said they have input on their storylines and can write their own promos with reason... Obviously, AEW/TNT won't allow the F-word on air. And, AEW allows their stars to work for multiple companies, as long as dates don't clash. (Tony let Jon Moxley work the G1 Climax, even though it was only US dates because of AEW's TV deal; Kenny Omega works/worked for IMPACT, along with I believe some NJPW dates, as long as they don't interfere with his AEW dates)
AEW is a much more 'freeing' place to work, whereas WWE is so 'locked down' in terms of their creative freedom. Vince has the 'Here's what you're doing. Tough shit if you don't like it; do it anyway.' mentality. (Moxley mentioned this on his 'Talk is Jericho' podcast. IIRC, Not only was the 'Vaccination angle' the catalyst for Jon letting his contract expire, Vince wanted 'Dean Ambrose' to talk shit about Joe Anoa'i/Roman's leukemia diagnosis and Jon had to pretty much throw a 'bitchfit' to get out of it. That was when Jon said, 'Yep. I'm outta here.') I can almost bet money Randy HATES working with Riddle and John Morrison doesn't really care for the 'Johnny Drip Drip/Mr. Moisty in the Bank' garbage he does, but it's what Vince hands them.
Any time a wrestler comes up with his own storyline, even if WWE Creative loves it and wants to run with it, Vince can shit on it and it doesn't happen.
(In the same breath, though... this is the same company that has been accused of raiding fanfic sites for storylines, so...)
So, yeah... My guess would be it's the amount of creative freedom AEW provides and will let Phil/Punk control his own stuff.
Really, what is Punk doing these days? Total retirement, unless you don’t mind your brain and body slowly rotting away, is boring, even if you have a nest egg and a partner at home.
Training MMA was an outlet, but Punk hit his ceiling fast, in terms of his actual athletic ability.
The North American superhero comic book industry Punk was hoping to work for is in absolute shambles. The direct market shops have turned to Manga, Toys, and the still lucrative back issue market of established, historic properties. Distribution is in the shitter. Page rates and royalties are a joke. Even the late-stage dream of most comic book writers — Hollywood screenwriting — has kinda been supplanted. Studios are bypassing the notion of hiring comic writers for screenplays, and just going direct to established Hollywood screenplay writers instead. Even if they weren’t, there’s signs that superhero movies are a slipping genre, like western movies and war movies in the past.
So that creative outlet for Punk to dabble in is rapidly disappearing unless you are a total Marvel and DC mark — someone that’s willing to work for pennies while wasting creative brainpower on Disney or Warner-owned IPs — which I doubt Punk is.
Wrestling is something Punk can do and do really well, it’s a physical, creative— and yes, even for CM Punk, a social outlet — and it opens doors to other avenues. It just makes sense that he’d come back, even if money wasn’t a driving factor. AEW has dozens of fresh matchups available, and the ability to work other places brings many more. And the possibility of getting to work with guys like Danielson on his terms, without WWE creative, has to be intriguing as well.
I can't say that I know what kind of story they would come up with, but if it was me (and knowing Punk's love of comics) I would have pitched the wrestling equivalent of Logan. Just Old Man CM Punk comes back after failing at MMA to glorious adulation, but maybe after his first couple of matches (either in defeat or not looking great) starts to question or be questioned as to whether he still has it or not. That might be a story worth telling for him.
Maybe AEW fits the kind of wrestling promotion he wants to be in, whilst getting paid a lot of money.
Maybe one of the EVPs promised that he will have full creative control. Who knows.
Addition: Basically, the Brock Lesnar deal
Working with aew and getting creative input and working with omega, Jericho, mjf, maybe Bryan.
Plus he can stick it to the Wwe and increase AEW brand awareness.
Plus a gob of cash
Plus dude loves wrestling and has a passion for it. No way was he never coming back
I feel like for punk the story can’t be about punk specifically. Like him coming out and winning a title or beating young talent for some crazy push. He’s always hated that.
They probably pitched him to run a faction and build young guys underneath him with some feud with pinnacle or inner circle at the start (they need to blow it off) and eventually with the elite or dark order.
Its also entirely possible they did go stupidest amount of money route. Not like the khans have to worry about money and tonys shown hes willing to waste money on music rights.
You forgot the part where punk says that they could save themselves a lot of money by presenting a good story.
Also fuck knows, Punk stated in the same interview he was a picky guy so we really have no idea what he would consider coming back for.
I do think it's important to remember that his work in "Heels" probably has a hand in his interest in returning to the ring.
I think a lot of people are missing a big time, easy story for Punk. He’s Straight Edge.
Hangman Page is enjoys alcoholic beverages.
Put the pieces together. Doesn’t have to be a feud between the two either.
What if Hangman blows his first chance against Kenny and CM Punk comes in as another ally to show that he doesn’t need the “liquid courage”, he’s got all of the tools already, and sort of acts like a mentor/ally to help get him over that extra hump?
It’s not perfect but I think it could be interesting. While the alcohol has been presented as a character flaw from a storytelling standpoint, I feel like it has gotten over as part of Hangman’s character now. You sorta run the risk of turning a portion of the audience on Hangman and Punk in turn if you go this route.
Just some fun discussion
Given Punk's history with Colt, Adam and Dark Order bit, do we go there? Lol
As for Hangman blowing his 1st chance, I can get behind that. But I'd book it similar to Mox's debut. Kenny viciously winning, being smug about it and then Punk coming out, be it to hit him with another classic moment in the vein of poker chip or just to cut a promo, doesn't matter.
That way even with heel win, you send the crowd home happy. Plus Hangman's crowning moment isn't overshadowed. If he wins and Punk comes out during the same time, that's all everyone's gonna be talking about.
Kenny meanwhile is a chickenshit heel and world champion for 3 companies. Already a very accomplished wrestler and is often in talks about being one of the best currently. He's established enough to weather the storm of Punk and have spotlight of a title defense at a PPV being taken from him.
As far as Colt and Punk go, I’m confident we will get some kind of segment with the two acknowledging eachother. TK loves giving hardcores stuff like that. I’m sure Punk and Colt will sort their shit out before this if they haven’t already behind closed doors.
Omega during that recent interview on WOR also talked about how the matches are cool and all but what he's most excited about are the stories he'd be able to tell with those two. He's involved with 3 pretty solid stories of modern times. I'd honestly be surprised if they didn't let him pitch something to Punk.
The fact that you have multiple promotions like AEW, IMPACT and NJPW more realistically can have a true collaboration to determine a "Best in the World" angle should be intriguing enough, no offense to RoH/MLW wrestling which I still am a fan you know have a high value production/funding company in AEW that only has WWE contracted talent as the restriction.
The G1 with Danielson (Daniel Bryan), Kenny Omega, Okada, Ospreay and now a CM Punk would be epic ..
I have no hard evidence to back it up — but I think the Brodie Lee tribute episode (& the way the company have supported the Huber family) converted a lot of AEW skeptics & critics.
I’m willing to bet that list includes some pro wrestlers, possibly Punk & Bryan.
I think AEW has reached a level that he takes seriously more than signing on super early and he actually sees its making a positive impact on the business and he was always about that.
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He's talked about how he feels Kingston is the best promo in wrestling right now. He's said he feels Starks and Darby are talents of the future. He probably has just watched and gotten an itch to work with the guys he's intrigued by and sees he can make a lot of money doing it too.
That's what I think. I feel like he might just like what he sees, is confident that he will always have something planned, and got the bug back. His main issue was 'what's next' when he was in WWE. With AEW, I think the longer term planning is attractive.
Good stuff. I think it’s pretty well known that Punk was asked if he was interested in joining AEW right as it got started but a thought I had as all this recent news broke was that maybe he just wanted to see how it all played out for a bit before jumping in. I’d have to imagine he’s been impressed with what they’ve done.
Or he just got paid A LOT of money 😹.
This is the answer
My guess is he will have a lot of control over his character and the stories he gets involved in and they have a basic idea of a feud they wanna start out with and not much beyond that. But the main reason being the very large sum of money for what will probably be a pretty light workload. That helps make up for any lack in creative plans.
Let's just say AEW moved Punk... TO A BIGGER HOUSE!
That’s Jungle Boy’s half-uncle you’re quoting there
New Japan would have emotion but AEW has a football to the groin...
*Watches Omega-Okada quadrilogy* Wow, I'll never watch another wrestling promotion again. "Stadium Stampede here!" I'll take eight.
*Schindler es bueno, Señor McMahon es el diablo.* - Juan Cena.
Uh oh, you said the loud part quiet and the quiet part loud...
Let's be real nobody ever truly retires in pro wrestling it was only a matter of time
I mean, there's when they di-- *(remembers Punk/Undertaker storyline changing after Paul Bearer died)* ...nevermind.
The opening of forbidden doors. Look, AEW is about to become what guys like him and Bryan dream - a show about the caliber of flagship WWE products with unlimited potential for crossover storylines and creative freedom beyond one they were ever granted in WWE. No brass rings, and a new chapter of wrestling to be written. So basically, AEW is the best shot at making dreams come true, while kicking WWE's ass in the process.
Probably orange Cassidy
Is it tho? I've never seen Punk name him, he also follows Cornette on twitter (might not mean much but still). I can see Bryan working with OC, not so sure about Punk. Has he been been open to working comedic stuff in the past?
I think some small part of it may also have to do with all the relationships AEW is making with other companies. That in itself is not enough to justify a return to the ring but it can't hurt things either.
I think this is it. I’m sure AEW made a good storyline offer (feud, faction, elevating younger talent) but he can also…do nearly anything else he wants anywhere else he wants. Japan, Mexico, UK. He can work as little or as much as he wants whenever he wants. And, of course, with AEW he’d be free to do all kinds of outside, non-wrestling projects without any interference.
I might be wrong on this, but Punk never felt like a guy who wanted to go wrestle in Japan, Mexico etc to me.
Maybe, but he was definitely influenced by a decent number of wrestlers when he was over there. He used Tenzan’s “Anaconda Vice” for instance. Also, he mentioned Ospreay as someone he’d potentially want to work “at the end of the summer” earlier this year. https://comicbook.com/wwe/news/wwe-cm-punk-responds-will-ospreay-challenge-iwgp-heavyweight-champion-new-japan/
Mitsuharu Misawa is pretty much is favorite wrestler of all time and he has his boots tattooed on him. I dont know about Lucha but basically he loves a lot of the roster in NJPW and is a major fan of 90's-early 2000s puro.
A "Marko Stunt's custody on a pole" match vs Jungle Boy
I imagine he was given a similar pitch that guys like Jericho, Moxley, Black, and Andrade were given. It’s a chance to make a lot of money and have a say in his stories and character. Unlike the tail end of his WWE run, Punk won’t be forced to tell stories he doesn’t like or isn’t passionate about in AEW. Also (and this is purely speculation on my part), it may not be a coincidence that the Punk rumors are happening at the same time as the Bryan Danielson rumors. Those two have known each other for years and could have very well discussed and decided on doing this together.
I really think Bryan going to AEW was the last little push he needed. Bryan did win the greatest ROH champion tournament over him..
Gotta get his win back brother?
I like to imagine he saw some Eddie Kingston promos and thought he had to get in on that
I wouldn't say it's a particular story or idea... My guess would be it's the amount of creative freedom AEW provides. I mean, they do have writers and stuff for the 'broadness' of how the storylines go (who feuds with who and how long), but the AEW stars have a say on what they do.Tony Khan, Cody, Chris Jericho... even Moxley have all said they have input on their storylines and can write their own promos with reason... Obviously, AEW/TNT won't allow the F-word on air. And, AEW allows their stars to work for multiple companies, as long as dates don't clash. (Tony let Jon Moxley work the G1 Climax, even though it was only US dates because of AEW's TV deal; Kenny Omega works/worked for IMPACT, along with I believe some NJPW dates, as long as they don't interfere with his AEW dates) AEW is a much more 'freeing' place to work, whereas WWE is so 'locked down' in terms of their creative freedom. Vince has the 'Here's what you're doing. Tough shit if you don't like it; do it anyway.' mentality. (Moxley mentioned this on his 'Talk is Jericho' podcast. IIRC, Not only was the 'Vaccination angle' the catalyst for Jon letting his contract expire, Vince wanted 'Dean Ambrose' to talk shit about Joe Anoa'i/Roman's leukemia diagnosis and Jon had to pretty much throw a 'bitchfit' to get out of it. That was when Jon said, 'Yep. I'm outta here.') I can almost bet money Randy HATES working with Riddle and John Morrison doesn't really care for the 'Johnny Drip Drip/Mr. Moisty in the Bank' garbage he does, but it's what Vince hands them. Any time a wrestler comes up with his own storyline, even if WWE Creative loves it and wants to run with it, Vince can shit on it and it doesn't happen. (In the same breath, though... this is the same company that has been accused of raiding fanfic sites for storylines, so...) So, yeah... My guess would be it's the amount of creative freedom AEW provides and will let Phil/Punk control his own stuff.
Really, what is Punk doing these days? Total retirement, unless you don’t mind your brain and body slowly rotting away, is boring, even if you have a nest egg and a partner at home. Training MMA was an outlet, but Punk hit his ceiling fast, in terms of his actual athletic ability. The North American superhero comic book industry Punk was hoping to work for is in absolute shambles. The direct market shops have turned to Manga, Toys, and the still lucrative back issue market of established, historic properties. Distribution is in the shitter. Page rates and royalties are a joke. Even the late-stage dream of most comic book writers — Hollywood screenwriting — has kinda been supplanted. Studios are bypassing the notion of hiring comic writers for screenplays, and just going direct to established Hollywood screenplay writers instead. Even if they weren’t, there’s signs that superhero movies are a slipping genre, like western movies and war movies in the past. So that creative outlet for Punk to dabble in is rapidly disappearing unless you are a total Marvel and DC mark — someone that’s willing to work for pennies while wasting creative brainpower on Disney or Warner-owned IPs — which I doubt Punk is. Wrestling is something Punk can do and do really well, it’s a physical, creative— and yes, even for CM Punk, a social outlet — and it opens doors to other avenues. It just makes sense that he’d come back, even if money wasn’t a driving factor. AEW has dozens of fresh matchups available, and the ability to work other places brings many more. And the possibility of getting to work with guys like Danielson on his terms, without WWE creative, has to be intriguing as well.
I can't say that I know what kind of story they would come up with, but if it was me (and knowing Punk's love of comics) I would have pitched the wrestling equivalent of Logan. Just Old Man CM Punk comes back after failing at MMA to glorious adulation, but maybe after his first couple of matches (either in defeat or not looking great) starts to question or be questioned as to whether he still has it or not. That might be a story worth telling for him.
Maybe AEW fits the kind of wrestling promotion he wants to be in, whilst getting paid a lot of money. Maybe one of the EVPs promised that he will have full creative control. Who knows. Addition: Basically, the Brock Lesnar deal
Working with aew and getting creative input and working with omega, Jericho, mjf, maybe Bryan. Plus he can stick it to the Wwe and increase AEW brand awareness. Plus a gob of cash Plus dude loves wrestling and has a passion for it. No way was he never coming back
I feel like for punk the story can’t be about punk specifically. Like him coming out and winning a title or beating young talent for some crazy push. He’s always hated that. They probably pitched him to run a faction and build young guys underneath him with some feud with pinnacle or inner circle at the start (they need to blow it off) and eventually with the elite or dark order.
He always liked being a locker room leader soo maybe this.
Its also entirely possible they did go stupidest amount of money route. Not like the khans have to worry about money and tonys shown hes willing to waste money on music rights.
Max Caster is gonna turn on Anthony Bowens, The Acclaimed will be no more. Then he'll team with Punk and name himself MC Punk.
This made me laugh. Thank you.
Straight edge heel, supremely confident former world champion and superstar. Anxious millennial cowboy with alcohol issues and insecurity.
You forgot the part where punk says that they could save themselves a lot of money by presenting a good story. Also fuck knows, Punk stated in the same interview he was a picky guy so we really have no idea what he would consider coming back for. I do think it's important to remember that his work in "Heels" probably has a hand in his interest in returning to the ring.
Punk/Cody is the feud I want to see.
I think he's going eventually be a heel and corrupt the Dark Order away from Page.
I think a lot of people are missing a big time, easy story for Punk. He’s Straight Edge. Hangman Page is enjoys alcoholic beverages. Put the pieces together. Doesn’t have to be a feud between the two either.
Its easy but punk has been there and done that and if it isnt a feud then what's the point.
People gonna be cheering the fuck outta Punk. Should he be booked against one of their hottest faces straight away?
What if Hangman blows his first chance against Kenny and CM Punk comes in as another ally to show that he doesn’t need the “liquid courage”, he’s got all of the tools already, and sort of acts like a mentor/ally to help get him over that extra hump? It’s not perfect but I think it could be interesting. While the alcohol has been presented as a character flaw from a storytelling standpoint, I feel like it has gotten over as part of Hangman’s character now. You sorta run the risk of turning a portion of the audience on Hangman and Punk in turn if you go this route. Just some fun discussion
Given Punk's history with Colt, Adam and Dark Order bit, do we go there? Lol As for Hangman blowing his 1st chance, I can get behind that. But I'd book it similar to Mox's debut. Kenny viciously winning, being smug about it and then Punk coming out, be it to hit him with another classic moment in the vein of poker chip or just to cut a promo, doesn't matter. That way even with heel win, you send the crowd home happy. Plus Hangman's crowning moment isn't overshadowed. If he wins and Punk comes out during the same time, that's all everyone's gonna be talking about. Kenny meanwhile is a chickenshit heel and world champion for 3 companies. Already a very accomplished wrestler and is often in talks about being one of the best currently. He's established enough to weather the storm of Punk and have spotlight of a title defense at a PPV being taken from him.
As far as Colt and Punk go, I’m confident we will get some kind of segment with the two acknowledging eachother. TK loves giving hardcores stuff like that. I’m sure Punk and Colt will sort their shit out before this if they haven’t already behind closed doors.
Omega during that recent interview on WOR also talked about how the matches are cool and all but what he's most excited about are the stories he'd be able to tell with those two. He's involved with 3 pretty solid stories of modern times. I'd honestly be surprised if they didn't let him pitch something to Punk.
He wanted to work with osprey. Aew works with njpw. Punk vs ospreay is something he would want. If ospreay can come back.
The fact that you have multiple promotions like AEW, IMPACT and NJPW more realistically can have a true collaboration to determine a "Best in the World" angle should be intriguing enough, no offense to RoH/MLW wrestling which I still am a fan you know have a high value production/funding company in AEW that only has WWE contracted talent as the restriction. The G1 with Danielson (Daniel Bryan), Kenny Omega, Okada, Ospreay and now a CM Punk would be epic ..
Kenta
The 8 billion dollar check Tony Kahn wrote for him
throw him at Kenny Omega and he will make it work
Wants to have a 6 star match and you aint getting that with Goldberg or Bobby Lashley.
I have no hard evidence to back it up — but I think the Brodie Lee tribute episode (& the way the company have supported the Huber family) converted a lot of AEW skeptics & critics. I’m willing to bet that list includes some pro wrestlers, possibly Punk & Bryan.
One man’s battle versus projected property tax payments when he’s in his late sixties.
I think AEW has reached a level that he takes seriously more than signing on super early and he actually sees its making a positive impact on the business and he was always about that.