Report: WWE's Reaction To CM Punk-AEW Talks Revealed

While it has yet to be confirmed by All Elite Wrestling, reports have noted that CM Punk is set to return to professional wrestling as an in-ring performer, seven years after he last competed inside the squared circle.

If Punk has put pen to paper on a contract with AEW is currently unknown, but reports have noted The Voice Of The Voiceless is "100 percent" going to debut at one of the company's upcoming Chicago shows. AEW has also teased Punk's signing with references to The Straight Edge Superstar being littered throughout the July 28 edition of Dynamite. 

While many are excited about Punk's impending return to the ring, WWE management appear to be unconcerned about the former world champion's return.

Andrew Zarian of the Mat Men Pro Wrestling Podcast noted WWE believe Punk's stock has dipped because of his time in the UFC. Company management also have unhappy memories of working with the 42-year-old. 

"There's no buzz that I'm hearing coming from the office side of, 'Oh we f'd up. We f'd up by not signing him.' There's a lot of people that think his stock is not what it normally would be. They think his UFC losses hurt him. And a lot of people worked with him when he was unhappy and I think that's the memory that they have," Zarian said.

Following his WWE departure, Punk signed a multi-fight deal with UFC and fought twice in the organisation. He has an MMA record of 0-1-1 as his 2018 loss to Mike Jackson was recently overturned due to Jackson's positive marijuana test.