AEW has not closed the door on a CM Punk return, even after firing him in 2023.
As per a new report from Fightful Select, sources inside the promotion offered a “never say never” response when asked whether Punk’s bridge with the company is permanently burned.
Per the report, Sean Ross Sapp wrote, “AEW sources gave me the ‘never say never’ line when I asked if CM Punk has a burned bridge with the company.”
Punk is currently signed to WWE, where he returned at Survivor Series: WarGames 2023 in Chicago. That timing makes any talk of an AEW thaw particularly interesting, given Punk remains under the WWE banner.
How The AEW Relationship Fell Apart
Punk joined AEW in 2021, making his return to wrestling after a years-long absence. His run there was defined as much by its memorable matches as by the controversy that followed.
He was involved in a backstage altercation following AEW All Out 2022, the incident widely referred to as “Brawl Out,” after which he and several others were reportedly suspended. AEW did not publicly detail the full disciplinary terms.
Punk’s AEW contract was then terminated with cause following a backstage incident at AEW All In London 2023, as announced publicly by AEW president Tony Khan at the time.
For more on the recent speculation surrounding Punk, see our coverage of the latest unfounded CM Punk rumors and the rumor killer on CM Punk’s WWE absence.
Where Punk Stands Now
Punk is currently signed to WWE as an active performer. CM Punk last competed at WrestleMania 42 Night 2’s main event, where he faced Roman Reigns for the World Heavyweight Championship. He then appeared on the following Monday Night Raw episode.
The “never say never” language from AEW is the first signal of any potential softening in a relationship that ended on hostile terms.