Video: Ex-UFC fighter CM Punk returns to pro wrestling, sends AEW crowd into frenzy

CM Punk is officially back in the world of professional wrestling after joining AEW.

[autotag]CM Punk[/autotag] is back in the world of professional wrestling.

After weeks of anticipation by the pro wrestling community, Punk returned to a thunderous ovation at AEW Rampage, which took place at United Center in his hometown of Chicago.

Immediately following the broadcast open, the crowd already was chanting Punk’s name. AEW wasted no time as Punk’s signature “Cult of Personality” theme song played, sending the crowd into a frenzy. At one point during his walkout, Punk dove into the stands to embrace a sea of hyped-up fans.

Check out the highlights below (via Twitter):

Punk, 42, walked away from pro wrestling in 2014 as one of the most popular competitors in the business. The retirement ended a nine-year stint with WWE.

In December 2014, Punk signed with the UFC. After nearly two years of training under Duke Roufus at Roufusport, Punk made his MMA debut at UFC 203 in September 2016. He lost to Mickey Gall by first-round submission.

In June 2019, Punk returned to the cage and faced Mike “The Truth” Jackson at UFC 225 in Chicago. He lost a unanimous decision. However, the result was later overturned to a no contest after Jackson tested positive for marijuana.

While Punk never officially announced his retirement from mixed martial arts, neither he nor UFC president Dana White indicated a third fight would be in the cards. Punk remained in the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency’s testing pool through the end of 2020.

Punk has served a color commentator for Cage Fury Fighting Championship, which streams its events on UFC Fight Pass, since late 2018.

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