Last night’s WWE Survivor Series went off the air with a sight many fans did not expect to see: CM Punk returning to WWE TV. The Second City Savior exited the sports entertainment juggernaut on bad terms roughly ten years ago. He then went on to vent his frustrations on an episode of Colt Cabana’s Art of Wrestling podcast. The conversation between the two resulted in WWE Dr. Chris Amann unsuccessfully suing them for questioning his on-the-job medical practices. Once with AEW, Punk continued taking shots at WWE, infamously noting at his All Out media scrum that “the grass isn’t always greener” at the other promotion.
Punk and Paul “Triple H” Levesque reportedly had a meeting within the last two weeks where they were able to put their bad blood behind them. However, it does not sound like it is the case for Punk and everyone within WWE. Following the men’s WarGames main event, an angry Seth “Freaking” Rollins could be seen at ringside cursing and being held back by Michael Cole, Corey Graves, and others. On the other hand, Drew McIntyre couldn’t even be bothered to be in or around the ring for Punk’s return as he stomped to the backstage area before his music hit.
Fightful reports that following his ringside, irate reaction to Punk’s return, Rollins maintained his anger backstage and actively looked for the former WWE and AEW World Champion until being escorted away. Punk was said to be confused by Rollins’ reaction, as Haus of Wrestling has been told he does not feel there is actual tension between the two. Fightful’s report noted that many believe Rollins is smart enough to capitalize on his previous negative comments about Punk and is likely working everyone with his actions. Of course, earlier this year, during WWE Royal Rumble weekend, Rollins told me that Punk was a “cancer,” and that he did not want him in the promotion.
Wrestling Observer Radio reports that Drew McIntyre’s reaction is not a work like Rollins’ is, and he was likely legitimately upset. Both the Observer and Fightful are saying that McIntyre’s unhappiness is likely about issues broader than just Punk’s return, and we will find out more soon.