Impact Wrestling presented Bound For Glory this past Saturday from Cicero Stadium in Chicago, IL. The event created some buzz for the promotion when they announced they were rebranding back to TNA Wrestling, a move that seems to be largely well-received. Some backstage news also made waves, as PWInsider reported that former WWE and AEW coach Ace Steel was seen backstage working as a producer. There was apparently talk of having him wrestle in the Gauntlet For The Gold, but that was shot down as the company did not want to get fans’ hopes up that CM Punk, his good friend, would be appearing. Punk was not at Bound For Glory, as he was at the Blackhawks home opener.
Haus of Wrestling has learned that while Punk was not at Bound For Glory, he did attend the Impact Wrestling on AXS TV tapings that the following day, also at Cicero Stadium. We are told that The Second City Savior showed up just before the tapings began, around 6:30 pm CST, and was taken to the locker room area. Punk attended an Impact event this past April that created a lot of attention as he was still off AEW TV following his All Out media scrum. This time, to avoid a scene, he showed up closer to bell time and, due to the sun setting earlier this time of year, arrived while it was dark outside.
While backstage, we are told Punk was talking with anyone who wanted to get some time with him, including “key Impact talent” that he spoke to throughout the taping. Since he had attended a taping earlier this year, we are told his presence did not faze any of the talent, as they were more used to his presence.
One person we are told he did not get to spend much time with is Steel, who also served as a producer at the post-Bound For Glory Impact TV tapings. We are told that Steel was warmly received backstage and seemed very happy to be back to work.
Haus of Wrestling has partnered with Inside The Ropes to present An Afternoon With Kevin Nash And Sean Waltman on November 25 at Joe’s Live in Rosemont, IL, ten minutes from the All-State Arena. Tickets are now available at JoesLiveRosemont.com.