CM Punk Returns To Wrestling At AEW Rampage In Chicago

CM Punk parted ways with WWE in 2014, and ever since then fans have wondered if the former WWE Champion would ever return to the world of professional wrestling. In recent weeks there’s been a lot of talk about CM Punk possibly making his AEW debut at this week’s episode of Rampage from the United Center, and there was a lot of anticipation leading up to the event.

As soon as Rampage kicked off fans were chanting for the one and only CM Punk, and it wasn’t long before “Cult of Personality” hit and Punk came out to a huge pop. Punk kneeled at the entrance and took in the adulation from the crowd then shouted as he jumped up to another huge pop.

Punk made his way down the ramp, hugged a fan at the barricade, then ran to the other side of the ramp and jumped in the crowd. The fans then started to chant his name even louder. Punk almost got in the ring, but then he made his way back to the barricade to give out more hugs.

CM Punk told the fans that he didn’t plan what he was going to say, because he didn’t know what he was going to feel, but he knew that he needed to feel it. Punk said he heard the CM Punk chants for 7 years, and that there’s a lot to cover. He said they’re not going to cover it all tonight, but he’s got the time, and he’s not going anywhere.

Punk said if any of his choices disappointed the fans, or anyone in the back, he understands as long as everyone else understands that he was never going to get healthy staying in the same place got him sick.

CM Punk then asked if he could tell the fans a story, and he unzipped his sweater to reveal a new CM Punk shirt then he sat down in the ring and told his story. He said that when he left ROH in 2005 he knew where he was going wasn’t going to be easy for him. Punk said that on August 13th, 2005 he left professional wrestling. He then stood up and said on August 20th, 2021 he’s back.

Punk said he’s back to work with new talent, and he specifically mentioned Darby Allin. The cameras then cut to Darby and Sting looking on from the rafters. Punk said Darby is a daredevil and there’s nothing more dangerous he can do than wrestle CM Punk in Chicago. He confirmed he will face Darby Allin at All Out on September 5.

Before he left Punk told fans he appreciates them waiting seven years for him, so on their way out they can grab a free ice cream bar on him.