Report: AEW Backstage Reaction To CM Punk Showing Up At WWE Raw

CM Punk isn't particularly popular with large sections of the roster in All Elite Wrestling and the 44-year-old doesn't appear to have improved the situation. 

It emerged on Monday night that Punk was briefly backstage at WWE's taping of Raw in Chicago, Illinois as he reportedly spoke to several people backstage, including The Miz and Triple H. He was then told to leave the Allstate Arena, per Vince McMahon's instructions, and he left the building without incident. 

The reaction to Punk's appearance within WWE ultimately varied, with the belief being he was there because he wants to come back, while others thought he was at the Allstate Arena as part of a publicity stunt. PWInsider also reported the initial reaction to Punk being at the show was one of "complete disbelief" and a WWE executive even phoned the outlet to ask if the site had been hacked because they were so shocked.

The reaction amongst several AEW talents was reportedly one of disbelief, according to Fightful Select, while Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer reported those he had spoken to were very surprised by Punk's sudden appearance at Monday Night Raw. PWInsider indicated the immediate reaction within the promotion was that the situation had to be some sort of lie. Punk being backstage was also not put together by AEW to drum up publicity.

Punk remains under contract with AEW and he is reportedly set to make his return at the AEW Collision premiere on Saturday, June 17 from the United Center in Chicago. Punk will be the star of AEW's rumoured Saturday night show, while The Elite and Blackpool Combat Club will be the stars of Dynamite. The new show will see a roster split introduced, reportedly to keep CM Punk and those who want to work with him separate from those who don't want to be in the same building as the former AEW World Champion.