Tag: CM Punk

Bryan Danielson confirms he is on AEW disciplinary committee, but not the head: ‘I don’t even have a college degree’

Sounds like it’s mostly lawyers along with Bryan Danielson on the AEW disciplinary committee.

Yes, Bryan Danielson is part of the AEW disciplinary committee that recommended to Tony Khan that the company should part ways with CM Punk. But no, the American Dragon is not in charge of that committee, so the buzz from the last few days that perhaps Danielson played an outsized role in Punk’s firing appears to be overblown.

Clarification on this topic comes from the best possible source: Danielson himself, appearing today on the Maggie and Perloff show on CBS Sports Radio. When asked by the hosts about a Fightful Select report that first broke the news about Danielson being part of the disciplinary committee, he admitted that was indeed the case.

What Danielson wanted to explain, however, is that there are more than three people on the committee and he is not in charge of it.

“You know how the internet is, like … some people would say I was the head of the disciplinary committee,” Danielson told the hosts. “And I’m like listen. I mean there were more than three people involved in this decision, but most of them were all lawyers. To say that I was the head … I don’t even have a college degree. I’m not in there bossing people around or anything like that.”

Danielson also confirmed what the initial Fightful report stated, which is that it was a difficult decision to recommend terminating Punk’s deal, saying he had a lot of “empathy” for him.

Certainly, there don’t appear to be any hard feelings on Danielson’s end for the time both men were in AEW together.

“I’m grateful for the time he was able to spend in AEW,” he said. “He did a great job for us, and so, yeah, I wish him the best in his future, and I hope his run there [in WWE] goes well.”

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That CM Punk-Stone Cold Steve Austin dream match you always wanted is apparently already being discussed

CM Punk vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin in a WWE ring just a fantasy? Maybe not.

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Even before CM Punk made his dramatic WWE return at Survivor Series, fans were doing their own fantasy booking for him. It’s only natural to want to see him clash with Seth Rollins, a star who has been vocal in his dislike for Punk (shoot or otherwise) in recent years.

Roman Reigns? That’s a logical program too, and one that is said to be in WWE’s plans.

Maybe we weren’t thinking big enough, however. Maybe we needed to include dream matches that involve icons who aren’t active even once a year but could get themselves ready for one good match if needed.

Maybe we should have considered Stone Cold Steve Austin.

While the Texas Rattlesnake is getting up there in years now (he’ll turn 59 before the end of 2023, if you can believe it), he showed at WrestleMania 38 that under the right circumstances, he can turn back the clock to deliver a performance that isn’t just a nostalgia trip. He just needs the right dance partner … which could be Punk.

Fightful Select (subscription required but well worth it) dropped a bombshell report today citing sources claiming that not only has the topic of a Punk-Austin match been brought up, WWE has already considered the logistics for how it can be put together.

One source in the company had indicated that many ideas have already been floated between CM Punk and WWE. We have not heard how far along in talks, planning or pitches that this is, but that if all went well, the ideal scenario would see Punk flying to Austin to go over ideas. One source indicated that while that is the “ideal scenario,” there’s a lot to get through first.

That’s … pretty deep thinking considering Punk only got to the company this past weekend and that Triple H said the deal to reunite with him came together very quickly.

But considering the age of both men, there would be similar urgency to put something together for them fast. It even calls into question the presumption that Punk and Rollins would headline one night of WrestleMania 40 in Philadelphia, because a Punk-Austin match could draw even more mainstream interest if it were to be held at that event.

And even though the term “dream match” can feel a bit overused these days, this is one pairing that would qualify by just about anyone’s definition as a never seen before, once in a lifetime meeting. If you’re among the people who would love to see it, take some solace in the idea that it’s supposedly already being worked on.

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Report: CM Punk has ‘behavior clause’ in WWE contract

Considering his prior history, it would be understandable for WWE to make it easier to terminate CM Punk if he is part of backstage issues.

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After watching the stunning WWE return of CM Punk at Survivor Series, Cody Rhodes opined that the company was getting a “hungry” version of him. Considering how it feels like his last chance at stardom on the biggest pro wrestling stage, that’s understandable — but WWE may also have taken some steps to ensure it stays that way.

Fightful Select (subscription required but recommended) served up its latest update on how Punk is settling in to WWE so far, including his appearance in the final segment of Raw this past Monday. The conclusion was that it was “so far, so good” behind the scenes.

But the most interesting part was what’s reportedly in Punk’s new WWE deal, though Fightful couldn’t confirm it at this time.

Those that we heard from said he was on his best behavior as anticipated, and with good reason – some in WWE were told by higher ups that there is a behavior clause associated with his contract, which we’ve yet to confirm.

Considering Punk’s own tumultuous history with WWE, culminating in an ugly split in 2014, a behavior clause would be smart business. And even though WWE never references AEW by name on screen, it would also be foolish to ignore the issues that led to that company firing him for cause after his second backstage altercation in less than a year.

We aren’t labor lawyers here at Wrestling Junkie, but the idea would be that Punk’s contract has specific language in it that makes it easier for WWE to terminate his deal if there are off-camera incidents this time around. For the sake of his fans and WWE management, let’s hope we never have to see if that’s the case.

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WWE supposedly already has CM Punk-Roman Reigns plans

Seth Rollins might be first for CM Punk during his WWE return, but the Tribal Chief also awaits.

It remains to be seen who CM Punk will step into the ring with first now that he’s back in WWE, and when, for that matter. But it’s clear that WWE has big plans for him, including a potential program with its most important current star.

That would be Roman Reigns, he of the historic title reign and many nicknames. In his breakdown of Punk’s return for Sports Illustrated, Justin Barrasso suggested ideas for Punk and Reigns to go head to head are already being formulated.

There are plans for Punk to feud with Roman Reigns, Sports Illustrated has learned.

Just not yet. As many fans have surmised, the feeling is that Seth Rollins will be the other side of Punk’s first feud. It makes sense for several reasons, including Rollins’ potential to get the most out of the 45-year-old Punk inside the ring, as well as his real life distaste for the recently returned star that appears to already be spinning into a running subplot.

A Rollins-Punk match would be a huge addition to WrestleMania 40 next spring, potentially even the main event for night one. So where would that leave a Reigns-Punk program?

Next summer would make a lot of sense. Even if both men are unsuccessful at Mania — the consensus is that Reigns might finally lose his title to Cody Rhodes in Philadelphia, though that was the thought last year as well — they’re both big enough attractions that no titles need to be involved. A post-championship Reigns is something that has only been mused about since it hasn’t been a reality for years, but Punk might make for the perfect foil to ensure both wrestlers stay hot even coming off losses at the biggest show of the year.

The fact that this is even a possibility is wild. But it also feels appropriate as we get ready to close the book on 2023 and embrace the new possibilities ahead in pro wrestling in 2024.

Did CM Punk wear a white t-shirt at Survivor Series as a Bryan Danielson reference?

Bryan Danielson reportedly led the committee suggesting AEW fire CM Punk. He’s known to rock a white tee. Coincidence?

CM Punk has the wrestling world buzzing since his return at Survivor Series last Saturday, which is exactly what he and WWE had in mind. It was a comeback that had to be carefully planned by all involved, with nothing left to chance — but does that include what Punk chose to wear when he walked into the Allstate Arena?

On one hand, a plain white tee does seem like something Punk might just decide to rock, especially since he didn’t have a WWE shirt to push yet (which he did by Monday night for his promo at the end of Raw). But some new details about the end of his time in AEW earlier this year, which just came to light today, suggest that maybe he decided on his look for a very specific reason.

Fightful Select (subscription required) published a fascinating report about the process that led to Punk’s termination from AEW in September following his backstage altercation at All In London the previous month. The big news was that Bryan Danielson “effectively headed up and was the face of the disciplinary committee” that recommended the termination of Punk’s contract to Tony Khan.

Fightful’s sources say that the decision was “a particularly hard one” for Danielson due to his own relationship with Punk and the positives he brought to AEW, but one he felt strongly was right — something Danielson may have been alluding to in a recent social media post.

While Danielson’s role in Punk’s departure might have been a secret to the larger wrestling world until now, it almost certainly wasn’t to Punk. And guess what just happens to be one of Danielson’s go-to looks when he’s not in his wrestling gear?

Wrestling Junkie’s Phil Strum, host of the Under the Ring podcast, pointed out how this is probably not a coincidence.

If we’ve learned anything about Punk throughout his pro wrestling career, it’s that he’s both hyper aware and a master at sending messages.

Punk may not even be able to talk about what went down in AEW at the moment for legal reasons, much like Tony Khan recently suggested was true on the company’s side. But he can still make his points in other ways, and this sure seems like it might be one of them.

WWE Raw results 11/27/23: CM Punk says ‘I’m home,’ Randy Orton is victorious

Drew McIntyre also let loose some frustrations on Seth Rollins on WWE Raw from Nashville.

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The origin of Marvel Comics’ Avengers references a “day unlike any other.” We have those on a semi-regular basis in pro wrestling, but CM Punk’s equally electrifying and implausible return to WWE Saturday night at Survivor Series was right up there among the most memorable.

Wisely, WWE isn’t waiting too long to trot him back out in front of fans on live TV. Will CM Punk be on Raw going forward? Will they set up anything with him tonight in Nashville in terms of his first program back with the company he parted ways with on far less than amicable terms in 2014?

More to the point, does it even matter?

People will certainly be tuning in tonight to see what happens next, which is kind of the point. It’s hard to recall an episode of Raw in recent memory with this much anticipation around it, and WWE has already shown signs that it’s very aware, declaring that the full first hour will be commercial-free.

Not to be overlooked, Randy Orton has been promoted for tonight’s show as well — though interestingly, WWE’s official preview has no word on what to expect from the Viper. His comeback has almost been overshadowed by the frenzy over Punk, but make no mistake, many fans are excited to see him back in the fold as well.

On the actual in-ring wrestling side, there are big things going down in tag team land, with a women’s tag team title match and Tag Team Turmoil to decide a No. 1 contender duo for the men’s belts still held by The Judgment Day. Plus big men will collide when Bronson Reed faces Ivar.

Buckle up, here we go.

WWE Raw results from Nashville:

(please scroll down for more details on any match or segment in bold)

  • The broadcast begins with a highlight package of the Men’s WarGames match from Saturday night, which includes the return of Randy Orton … and CM Punk
  • “Daddy’s back!” Randy Orton and Rhea Ripley discuss the changing landscape of Raw since he’s been away, but that could mean bad news for Dominik Mysterio
  • The teams entered in Tag Team Turmoil meet special guest Jelly Roll, whose name confuses R-Truth and inspires a new Akira Tozawa dance
  • The Creed Brother win the Tag Team Turmoil match, earning a shot at the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship
  • Damian Priest is upset about letting The Judgment Day down, but Ripley tells him they all rise and fall together, and Finn Balor says he should relax because they’re still tag team champs … but Rhea cracks a bit of a grin as Damian and Finn go to check on McDonagh
  • Cody Rhodes talks about what’s next, meaning the Royal Rumble, but Shinsuke Nakamura is on his trail right now
  • Bronson Reed vs. Ivar ends in a double countout, and their continuing battle into the crowd includes a ridiculous cannonball by Ivar
  • Earlier today, Nia Jax comes to talk trash to Zoey Stark, who tells Shayna Baszler she’s got it and challenges Nia to a match
  • A highlight package shows reactions to CM Punk’s Survivor Series return and tours its social media impact
  • The Judgment Day discovers R-Truth in the clubhouse and is stunned when he volunteers to join them for WarGames, unaware that the match has already happened
  • Nia Jax def. Zoey Stark by pinfall
  • Highlights are shown of Gunther’s defeat of The Miz at Survivor Series; afterward, Gunther visits the rest of Imperium to sort things out with Adam Pearce, and The Miz arrives to challenge the Ring General again, which draws a respectful but amused reaction from the champ
  • Seth Rollins and Drew McIntyre’s mutual admissions of respect turn violent after Rollins informs McIntyre he’s giving Jey Uso the next title shot
  • Sami Zayn catches up with an angry McIntyre and tells him he’s not the only one who’s had disappointment around here, but the difference is that Sami keeps picking himself up and moving forward; Zayn says McIntyre is acting like a spoiled little brat and he’s better than that, which seems like it made an impression … except it ends with Drew saying he’s going to act Pearce for a match next week with Sami
  • Chelsea Green and Piper Niven def. Natalya and Tegan Nox by pinfall to retain the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship
  • Uso finds Orton to apologize and tell him that he’s trying to do right, and Randy says as long as Jey is out of The Bloodline, then they’re good
  • Becky Lynch is asked about the epic battle at WarGames, but she wants to talk about tonight and says there are some fights on the horizon, one more pressing than the others
  • Randy Orton def. Dominik Mysterio by pinfall, with a tiny assist from Jelly Roll
  • Yes, he’s back on Raw: CM Punk is on the mic for his welcome back promo

Even WWE wrestlers reportedly asked if CM Punk was the Devil in AEW

Though CM Punk was never considered as the AEW Devil, the mere possibility intrigued some WWE talent.

As you have undoubtedly heard by now unless you’ve completely sealed yourself off from social media and any outlet that would ever write about pro wrestling for the last 48 hours, CM Punk is back in WWE. A day many figured would never come is now a reality, and his Survivor Series return has the wrestling world buzzing.

Of course, Punk was a hot topic of conversation even when he was in-between gigs, so to speak, during the time between his firing from AEW in September and this past weekend in Chicago. One popular theory was even wilder in some ways than a WWE comeback: that he was the person who would eventually be revealed to be under the Devil mask in AEW.

While fanciful on the surface, Punk played into it on social media as well, which only caused speculation to intensify — apparently to the point where even WWE wrestlers were pondering the possibility.

In its latest update on all things Punk, Fightful Select (subscription required) says that while an AEW reunion was never in the cards, WWE talent was asking about it.

There were top WWE talent asking some in AEW if Punk was involved in the AEW devil storyline as recently as the last month or so. Punk was never discussed for that.

While some are piling on Tony Khan for firing Punk and setting into motion the chain of events that led to his WWE return, the guess is that he’d be under much more intense criticism for rehiring someone he fired “for cause” and then using him in the AEW Devil storyline. The industry is almost certainly better off not knowing what would have happened had that come to pass, and at least for now, everyone involved seems better off than they were a few months ago.

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Tony Khan says CM Punk to WWE ‘not something I can legally talk about’

It’s not that AEW boss Tony Khan doesn’t want to talk about CM Punk returning to WWE, but that he says he can’t.

Any time there are seismic events that ripple across the pro wrestling landscape, there are perceived winners and losers. In the case, of CM Punk returning at Survivor Series, WWE is clearly basking in the attention he’s brought and the fascination over what might happen next.

(Not to mention the revenue his new t-shirt is likely already bringing in.)

One big question is whether Punk returning to WWE will be seen as the proverbial one that got away from AEW. Punk’s tumultuous time with that company is well documented, and ended with him being fired for cause in early September after a backstage confrontation that CEO, GM and head of creative Tony Khan said in the aftermath made him feel afraid for his safety and the safety of other employees.

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Yet Khan also spoke glowingly on multiple occasions prior to any of Punk’s suspensions of the positive impact he had on AEW from both creative and business perspectives. Surely, then, he must feel some type of way about seeing him show up on WWE programming, right?

It would be hard to believe he doesn’t, but as he told BBC reporter Steve Hermon, he also can’t discuss it at the moment.

Can’t talk about that, nor do I think it’s the time or the place. But I appreciate you asking, and I’m very excited about AEW All In Wembley Stadium. Not to dodge or duck your question, it’s just not something I can legally talk about.

There’s indeed some degree of irony that Khan is promoting next year’s All In London show after the straw that broke the camel’s back between Punk and AEW came at this year’s event at Wembley Stadium, threatening to overshadow what should have been (and in Khan’s eyes, still is) the promotion’s greatest day to date.

Still, Khan has not been shy about sharing his feelings about the biggest happenings in AEW whether they happen in full view of the public or behind closed doors, provided he’s able to do so. You get the feeling that he’ll discuss Punk when he can, even if that’s still down the road a bit.

WWE Raw preview 11/27/23: CM Punk, Randy Orton, Tag Team Turmoil

It’s also going to be a big night for both tag team divisions on WWE Raw from Nashville.

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As Cody Rhodes might say, what do you want to talk about before WWE Raw tonight in Nashville? Because quite a bit went down at Survivor Series this weekend, and it appears this show will address a lot of it.

What will CM Punk say with a live mic on a WWE show?

First and foremost, the importance of watching to the very end of a premium live event was never reinforced more, as just when the copyright info hit the screen to end things in Chicago, CM Punk made his WWE return after nine years away. It was something that was much debated and discussed among wrestling fans, but seeing it play out was still somewhat unbelievable.

Now what? That’s a question that perhaps only CM Punk and Triple H know the answer to, but whatever is in store for the Straight Edge Superstar, it’s almost certain to be the top talking point of Raw tonight.

Who is in Randy Orton’s sights now that he’s back?

Not to be overlooked amidst the other big return, Survivor Series was also a thrilling comeback for Randy Orton. Looking in great shape (and certainly jacked), the Viper helped a team of fan favorites defeat The Judgment Day in WarGames, and even seemed to put any long-held bitterness toward Jey Uso aside in doing so.

Will Orton take up residence on the Raw roster? And if so, will making enemies of The Judgment Day prove to be an unwise move for someone who has been out so long that the balance of power has changed dramatically while he was away? We could get some answers on those fronts tonight.

Also scheduled for tonight’s show in Nashville:

  • A Tag Team Turmoil match will determine a new pair of No. 1 contenders for the men’s tag team titles
  • Women’s tag team champs Chelsea Green and Piper Niven will defend their titles against Natalya and Tegan Nox

Update: WWE has also revealed that the first hour of Raw will be commercial-free.

What should be one of the most watched episodes of the year hits USA at 8 p.m. ET tonight, and we’ll have live coverage as always here on Wrestling Junkie.

CM Punk, Randy Orton will be on WWE Raw this Monday

WWE is wasting no time taking advantage of the hype around the return of CM Punk and Randy Orton.

WWE fans had to wait more than a year to see Randy Orton back in the ring and nearly a decade for CM Punk to make his way back to the company. But after both men appeared Saturday night at Survivor Series outside Chicago, the wait will only be two nights to see them again.

WWE revealed that both Orton and Punk will be on Raw this Monday night in Nashville. Separate social media posts promoting them, conveniently including a link to buy tickets, went up on Sunday afternoon.

Orton’s role in Survivor Series wasn’t a surprise, as he was announced as the fifth member of the team led by Cody Rhodes that faced The Judgment Day and Drew McIntyre in the Men’s WarGames match. Despite that, WWE ran an angle during the show where it was unclear if Orton would show up to participate in the main event, though he ultimately did.

Punk’s return was kept a surprise up until the closing moments of the show — his familiar “Cult of Personality” entrance theme literally hit when the copyright notice was on screen after the final match. Triple H later explained that the deal between WWE and Punk came together quickly and was kept a secret from nearly everyone until the last possible moment.

It’s not clear yet if either Orton or Punk will be on the Raw roster going forward, but it makes sense for WWE to capitalize on the hype surrounding their returns as quickly as possible. No matter what the plans are for both men, it’s almost guaranteed that lots of eyes will on the broadcast Monday night from Nashville.

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