After seven years of distancing himself from professional wrestling, CM Punk is allegedly planning his return. This is huge news for the wrestling world and its fans. CM Punk is widely regarded as one of the greatest wrestlers of all time, and he could likely work with any company he chooses. Beyond wrestling television, CM Punk could have a big impact on upcoming professional wrestling games. AEW has a console title in the works from Yuke's, and Visual Concepts is hard at work on WWE 2K22. Wherever CM Punk decides to sign could be a huge boon for the company's wrestling game.
Visual Concepts is working on a new WWE game after the universally negatively received WWE 2K20. The WWE 2K series skipped last year to reassess the series and bring out a new title in 2021. AEW also has its debut console in the works from veteran wrestling game developer, Yuke's. Having such an experienced developer is a huge advantage for AEW and its first major game. The addition of CM Punk to either game or future games from WWE or AEW could draw in fans of a certain era and undoubtedly help boost sales.
If CM Punk Signs With WWE
If CM Punk were to rejoin WWE, it would make sense to include a Showcase mode in WWE 2K22 centered around the returning superstar. Showcase modes have been featured in the WWE 2K series since WWE 2K15, and it features iconic matches from a variety of wrestlers. In fact, CM Punk was featured in the very first showcase mode that followed some of John Cena's best matches. If CM Punk returns to WWE, it would make sense to capitalize on it and create a showcase mode dedicated to him. Reliving his quintessential matches against Daniel Bryan, John Cena, The Undertaker, and many others, would be a no-brainer for WWE. Having him return to the fold would be enough to enhance sales, but featuring an entire mode dedicated to him could boost interest among fans even more.
If CM Punk Signs With AEW
The AEW game has a lot to get right for it to compete with WWE 2K22, and bringing CM Punk into the company would certainly help. AEW has built a solid foundation for itself and is recognized as a legitimate alternative to WWE. The company's game would likely do well based on its reputation and its elite signings like Chris Jericho, Jon Moxley, and Kenny Omega.
CM Punk would be a major addition to the roster, and his name alone would certainly help nurture sales. The appeal of CM Punk in AEW's game is that fans will be able to enact dream matches that were previously unthinkable, much like what fans could expect from him on AEW TV. CM Punk's inclusion in WWE 2K22 would be a big deal, but AEW's game would perhaps benefit the most from his presence.
AEW is reportedly CM Punk's likely destination for his wrestling return. This could be a landmark comeback from one of the greatest of all time, and it would be beneficial for any company he decides to work with. For AEW in particular, CM Punk's signing could mean a better financial forecast for its console wrestling game. Between CM Punk's return and Daniel Bryan's rumored AEW signing, the company could be looking at a serious increase in viewership as well as better game sales.
WWE 2K22 is in development for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.