Multiple reports suggest that former WWE superstar CM Punk will soon arrive in AEW.
The First Dance, next week's AEW Rampage special, will take place at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. The Windy City happens to be CM Punk's hometown, and many are speculating that he'll make his AEW debut then; the former WWE Champion even hinted at an appearance.
If CM Punk joins AEW, it sounds like he'll wrestle on a part-time schedule. According to a report from Ringside News, the 42-year-old will wrestle "10 to 12 times" per year in AEW. Punk's last wrestling match took place at the Royal Rumble 2014 pay-per-view, when he competed in the 30-man bout.
CM Punk walked out of WWE before Monday Night Raw aired the following day. Fast forward seven and a half years later, and wrestling fans continue to wait for his return to the ring. For all we know, it's only a matter of weeks (or even days).
On AEW Dynamite two weeks ago, Darby Allin made a "best in the world" comment, though he later denied that it was a reference to CM Punk. That same night, MJF referenced CM Punk's legendary WWE "Pipe Bomb" promo.
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Aside from CM Punk, AEW is also reportedly set to land another former WWE Champion and perennial main event star Daniel Bryan. The latter's WWE contract expired after he lost a Universal title match to Roman Reigns on the Apr. 30 episode of Friday Night SmackDown.
Plenty Of Anticipation For "The First Dance"
Even if CM Punk doesn't appear at The First Dance, it doesn't mean he isn't bound for AEW. However, it's hard to think of a better time and place for his AEW debut.
This will mark just the second ever episode of Rampage, and it'll take place in CM Punk's hometown. The wrestling world has heard of the rumors and reports, and CM Punk hasn't exactly denied the speculation. It definitely feels like he's about to appear in AEW, and this is a major story that fans will follow closely as Friday nears.
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