WWE wasn’t the only promotion interested in working with CM Punk.
Back in October, CM Punk was spotted backstage at IMPACT Wrestling’s television tapings immediately following Bound for Glory. Reports at the time indicated that Punk was welcome there and seen as helpful backstage, offering advice to rising talent.
According to a report from PWInsider, Punk had a big money offer on the table from IMPACT Wrestling prior to making his shock return to WWE at Survivor Series. The report notes:
Impact Wrestling had made a major money offer to Punk which we are told he was mulling over. In speaking to Impact sources after Punk’s WWE return, we are told that Punk was “amazing” in his dealings with top Impact execs, including Scott D’Amore and Lou D’Angeli, during discussions.
Impact sources felt they were very close to scoring Punk and at one point, hoped he would even be at Bound for Glory as part of the unveiling of the return of TNA, which did not happen. The conversations between the two sides continued after that PPV.
In speaking to Impact sources, while the company had hoped Punk would come in there full-time, they realized the reality of the situation involving WWE and how much money could be made and were happy for Punk. We also heard from several Impact talents overnight who said they were appreciative of the time and advice Punk had spent with them at several tapings in Chicago when he visited.
Some Thought There Was A “Real Possibility” Of CM Punk Joining IMPACT Wrestling
Fightful Select shed more light on the situation, confirming a “real offer” was prepared by IMPACT and saying that some friends of his thought it was a “real possibility” that Punk would end up in IMPACT prior to beginning negotiations with Triple H and WWE.
According to a previous report, salary negotiations were one of the biggest hurdles to CM Punk signing with IMPACT.