After seven long years, CM Punk may finally be making his return to the squared circle. Following weeks of on-air teasers, AEW's CEO Tony Khan tweeted that fans can expect a "new era in AEW" to begin at Rampage's Friday show.
AEW Rampage The First Dance will be live from the United Center in Chicago on August 20. Airing from his hometown of Chicago, AEW fans are anxious to see if CM Punk will finally make his return to the ring.
Ahead of AEW Rampage, Khan tweeted what appears to be another hint at CM Punk's return. Khan acknowledged the buzz swirling around tonight's show for "the most anticipated announcement in AEW history." Khan went on to say that this announcement will continue to build until AEW All Out on September 5. With Khan's promise to invite new and "dormant wrestling households" back into the wrestling world, he appears to be hinting at someone who will be able to bring enough excitement to have everyone keeping a close eye on AEW going forward.
For the past few weeks, AEW has made a few subtle hints at CM Punk's debut with the wrestling promotion. Over recent weeks, wrestler Kenny Omega has worn a Cookie Monster t-shirt and, most recently, a Chick Magnet shirt, which can both be shortened to CM. AEW has also continued to air a teaser with Darby Allin and Sting that teases Punk's return. In the promo, Allin mentions that he's been around a lot of men who deem themselves the greatest and that if they truly believe that, they can try to prove that in AEW, even if they think they're the best in the world. This is a direct hint at CM Punk's former use of the phrase.
CM Punk shockingly left WWE in 2014 following the Royal Rumble Pay Per View. There were many factors that were named as reasons for his departure, including medical and booking concerns. After an extensive battle between CM Punk and WWE, he signed with UFC later that year. Punk had his first UFC match at UFC 203 in 2016 and his second, and last, in 2018. Recently, Punk has been a commentator for Cage Fury Fighting Championships.
On September 5, All Out will also be taking place in Illinois at the NOW Center. If CM Punk doesn't make his return at Rampage, it's possible that the announcement Khan tweeted about for Rampage will only prolong the excitement for CM Punk's debut. If CM Punk doesn't debut at Rampage, it's possible that Daniel Bryan, who was rumored to have signed with AEW, may appear instead.
AEW Rampage will be live from the United Center on August 20, 2021, at 10 pm Eastern time.
Source: Tony Khan | All Elite Wrestling