Connect with us
CM Punk Makes Surprise Debut on WWE Backstage

News

CM Punk Makes Surprise Debut on WWE Backstage

The voice of the voiceless has returned to the WWE Universe.

CM Punk made a surprise debut on WWE Backstage last night, ending a nearly six year hiatus/self-imposed exile from WWE programming.

The Voice of The Voiceless appeared at the very end of the program and, using a variation of Roddy Piper’s iconic catchphrase, proclaimed that “Just when they think they have the answers, I change the culture.” I’ll admit, it’s a rather timely update of the quote, no?

Punk’s debut comes after weeks of rumblings and rumors regarding the former WWE Champion’s participation in the show. Punk’s history with WWE is well documented. He started as a cult-favorite that was never meant to succeed, fought and clawed his way to a prominent position within the company, and after delivering a legendary promo in the summer of 2011 became arguably the top star in the entire WWE en route to winning and holding the WWE Championship for 434 days, the longest of any WWE Champion in the Modern Era.

CM Punk’s journey paved the way for many other wrestlers with similar backgrounds. Before his rise within the company, wrestlers who honed their skills on the independent scene were sometimes shunned by the WWE, but Punk’s rise is credited with changing the company’s position on indy stars. It could be argued that without CM Punk, we very likely would not have Daniel Bryan, Seth Rollins, Dean Ambrose/Jon Moxley, The Undisputed Era, Johnny Gargano, Tomasso Ciampa, hell, we probably wouldn’t have NXT as we know it.

CM Punk left the company in early 2014 amid a great deal of controversy. Citing burnout, poor management of his character, lack of opportunity and career advancement, and increasing health woes. Punk walked out of the company the day after the Royal Rumble 2014. The two parties were largely excommunicado with the exception of occasional barbs on social media, podcasts, and lawsuits.

CM Punk pursued a career in Mixed Martial Arts and fought two bouts in the UFC. Though both bouts were losing efforts, Punk showed a tremendous amount of drive and tenacity, especially considering he began training at a relatively late age. He also used his time away to pursue numerous writing ventures, penning a Drax on-going title for Marvel in addition to one-shots for Shang-Chi and Thor.

The Best in the World recently made his feature film debut in the horror thriller, Girl on the Third Floor. Yet despite all these accumulated accolades and all these years away from the ring, WWE fans never stopped chanting his name at arenas around the world.

And now, as hell froze over and pigs took to the sky, The Second City Saint has returned to WWE programming.

Details of his return as under wraps as of this writing. Those aforementioned rumblings and rumors noted that this deal may have been ushered through Fox Sports 1, the home of WWE Backstage. This may imply that Punk’s appearance on the show wasn’t fully orchestrated by the powers that be at WWE. This may mean he has only spoken to Heath Slater via carrier ravens and smoke signals. Until we hear from the man himself, it’s all hearsay and conjecture at this point. Regardless, CM Punk is back on some sort of WWE programming and here’s hoping it leads to an in-ring return.

Do you love wrestling? Do you have strong opinions on AEW, WWE, NJPW, Impact, ROH, and the independent scene? Do you like to write about wrestling? Then we want you on our team. AIPT is currently recruiting wrestling writers. Apply to write for AIPT today!

Join the AIPT Patreon

Want to take our relationship to the next level? Become a patron today to gain access to exclusive perks, such as:

  • ❌ Remove all ads on the website
  • 💬 Join our Discord community, where we chat about the latest news and releases from everything we cover on AIPT
  • 📗 Access to our monthly book club
  • 📦 Get a physical trade paperback shipped to you every month
  • 💥 And more!
Sign up today
Comments

In Case You Missed It

Full June 2024 Marvel Comics solicitations: Ultimates #1 and more Blood Hunt Full June 2024 Marvel Comics solicitations: Ultimates #1 and more Blood Hunt

Full June 2024 Marvel Comics solicitations: Ultimates #1 and more Blood Hunt

Comic Books

Marvel reveals Rachel Summers and Betsy Braddock to get X-Men series Marvel reveals Rachel Summers and Betsy Braddock to get X-Men series

Marvel reveals Rachel Summers and Betsy Braddock to get X-Men series

Comic Books

AEW Rampage preview, full card: March 20, 2024 AEW Rampage preview, full card: March 20, 2024

AEW Rampage preview, full card: March 20, 2024

Pro Wrestling

Marvel reveals Ultimate Gwen Stacy coming in 'Ultimate Spider-Man' #4 Marvel reveals Ultimate Gwen Stacy coming in 'Ultimate Spider-Man' #4

Marvel reveals Ultimate Gwen Stacy coming in ‘Ultimate Spider-Man’ #4

Comic Books

Connect
Newsletter Signup