CM Punk is back in WWE, and a new report details what’s planned for the star on SmackDown.
At Survivor Series on November 25th, CM Punk made a shocking return to WWE for the first time since his acrimonious 2014 exit. Despite reports that Punk’s WWE comeback left numerous talent upset, the star’s demeanor at Monday Night Raw on November 27th was reportedly pleasant and he left a good impression on people backstage.
World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins was visibly upset during his return, though his outburst is reportedly part of an angle to set up a feud between the two men. Rollins has shown no hesitation in furthering personal issues between the two, calling Punk “selfish” and a “fraud.”
As of now, it’s unknown if or when Rollins and Punk will eventually face off inside the squared circle, but according to a new report from WrestleVotes, Punk has more things on his mind than continued tension with Rollins. The report states that CM Punk is set to reignite his dream to main event WrestleMania and will make that clear on the December 8th episode of SmackDown.
“I’m told CM Punk’s in ring segment tonight on SmackDown will focus on his desire to “main event” WrestleMania 40. It’s clobbering time….”
I’m told CM Punk’s in ring segment tonight on SmackDown will focus on his desire to “main event” WrestleMania 40. It’s clobbering time….
— WrestleVotes (@WrestleVotes) December 8, 2023
Could CM Punk Face Steve Austin At WrestleMania 40?
In late November, Fightful Select reported that CM Punk was in discussions to face none other than Steve Austin at WrestleMania 40, though those discussions are very much in the early stages.
According to Fightful, many within WWE were pushing for the possibility of a bout between Punk and Austin as soon as Punk returned to the company. Punk has reportedly been in discussions about the potential bout, with one source saying that “many ideas” have already been floated between him and WWE regarding the match.
While there is no confirmation of how far along these talks are, an idea scenario would reportedly see Punk fly out to visit Austin to discuss the possibility. One source did indicate that there were many things that would need to be worked through to get to this ideal scenario, though those close to Austin don’t believe there is any real-life animosity to overcome between the two men. In fact, Punk and Austin are said to communicate briefly a couple times a year.
Punk and Austin interacted on Monday Night Raw back in June of 2011, and in 2013 they worked together as part of a segment with Jim Ross to promote the WWE ’13 video game.