More has come out about planned feuds for CM Punk in WWE, as well as an indication of how some members of the locker room are feeling.
Last Saturday, CM Punk made his emphatic return to WWE at Survivor Series in what was a true surprise for fans around the world. The event marked his first appearance for the company since 2014, but not everyone was happy to see the Straight Edge Saviour make his re-debut for the company as viewers quickly picked up on Seth Rollins’ irate reaction to seeing Punk walk out onto the stage at the AllState Arena.
To provide an update on this, Sports Illustrated have reported that the current plans are for The Visionary to be CM Punk’s first feud back in WWE. On top of this, it was noted that Roman Reigns is also being lined up as a future opponent for Punk, something which will undoubtedly excite many fans.
“There are plans for Punk to feud with Roman Reigns, Sports Illustrated has learned. But it will not be Punk against Reigns first, as that spot belongs to Rollins.”
-Sports Illustrated
While a lot of viewers were happy to see CM Punk make a return to the company in which he had previously spent nine years with, the report goes on to say that there are some active members of the WWE roster that have ‘concerns’ over how he will fit in with the current locker room.
“Speaking with multiple members of the active WWE roster, Sports Illustrated confirmed there are concerns about how Punk will integrate himself in the locker room.”
-Sports Illustrated
Of course, Punk’s WWE return comes almost three months after his AEW contract was terminated with cause, and many will remember the controversy he was embroiled in which ultimately brought his time working under Tony Khan to an end.
Sports Illustrated touch on this by saying that, despite some AEW talent feeling as if Punk’s comeback will start well and then end poorly, the belief in the WWE locker room is that they are able to prevent news leaking to the press more successfully than those in All Elite Wrestling.
“Speaking with a handful of AEW talent, the feeling is Punk will be on his best behavior in the beginning in WWE. But historically, multiple people added, Punk’s runs do not end well. Multiple WWE talent noted to Sports Illustrated their belief that the WWE locker room is far more united than the one in AEW, which has proven susceptible to leaks.”
-Sports Illustrated
To close, the report discusses what the dynamic when Punk and WWE were negotiating a comeback. It was said that the company didn’t chase the returning star at all, with Punk himself opening the line of communication and being willing to listen to and accept what was being offered to him.
“A major element in Punk’s return is that WWE did not chase him. Punk opened the line of communication, and he listened, and then agreed, to what was asked of him before signing his contract.”
-Sports Illustrated
CM Punk made his first Monday Night Raw appearance in just under a decade last night, stating that he feels as if he belongs in WWE and that he’s glad to be ‘home’. Also on the show, Seth Rollins made quick mention of Punk being a hypocrite, seemingly confirming the belief that the pair will enter into a feud in the coming weeks.
As always, we’ll aim to provide any further updates on CM Punk’s WWE return and his future plans as we hear more.
