Earlier this year, CM Punk and his time with All Elite Wrestling ended following a backstage altercation with Jack Perry at AEW All In. It was the conclusion to months of backstage tension between Punk, Perry, The Elite, and others in the locker room. Following his exit, speculation immediately began to swirl regarding his future in professional wrestling, with many hoping for a WWE return. Unfortunately, a WWE return does not appear to be in the cards at the moment, but that does not mean there are no opportunities elsewhere for the multi-time World Champion.
In an interview with Fightful, Rocky Romero, who has become very influential backstage at NJPW and AEW, was asked what big names fans may see appear soon for New Japan.
“You never know,” he stated. “I think that, obviously, we didn’t really get to do many crossovers when Punk was with AEW. There was supposed to be that Tanahashi-Punk match that never happened. So, I think Punk coming and doing a Wrestle Kingdom or a big show like that could be great for our product. Obviously, getting fresh eyes and everything that he brings to it. Merchandise and everything else. So, I wouldn’t be opposed to it at all.”
As noted by Romero, NJPW and AEW have an ongoing relationship that sees them co-promoting shows like Forbidden Door that feature dream matches like Kazuchika Okada versus Bryan Danielson. Okada returned to AEW a few weeks ago to participate in a Dynamite tag team match against Danielson and Claudio Castagnoli. Danielson will head to Japan in January to continue feuding with Okada at NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 18.
Considering Punk’s unceremonious and contentious exit from AEW, Romero was pressed about how Tony Khan would feel about NJPW working with The Second City Savior.
“I know Tony pretty well,” he said. “I feel like I would probably give him the heads up like, ‘Hey, this is what’s going on.’ But I don’t think he would have much to say about it. I mean, obviously, it’s another company. He doesn’t own New Japan, and obviously, even though we have a great partnership, I think it’s fine. I think he’d be cool. I think he’d be cool with it. I think AEW would be cool with it. You know? I don’t think so. I think it’d be cool.”
If you use any quotes from this article, please give a h/t to Haus of Wrestling and credit Fightful