It appears to be all systems go for a CM Punk return to AEW, setting up a fascinating chapter in what’s already been a wild story even by pro wrestling standards.
In his latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter (subscription required), Dave Meltzer’s update on the situation is in line with what other insider are reporting. Punk is expected to return in June, coinciding with the launch of a new Saturday night show tentatively titled AEW Collision.
Punk will be the big name on that show, while the talent he called out, then fought during the infamous night of All Out 2022, The Elite (Kenny Omega and the Young Bucks) will stay on AEW Dynamite — effectively creating the type of brand split WWE has in place (though its adherence to it varies over time) with Raw and SmackDown.
If this arrangement comes to pass, it still leaves a number of questions unanswered. Will AEW be running twice as many TV tapings indefinitely? What happens at pay-per-views when, presumably, big names from both programs need to be on the card? Will AEW create another “world” championship?
But the one that hovers above all of them is simple: Why don’t Punk and The Elite just try to work things out so none of this is necessary?
Meltzer has an update on that front as well, suggesting that the two sides haven’t talked, but possibly because Punk was instructed not to do so.
Regarding the meeting scheduled to try and smooth out issues with Tony Khan, C.M. Punk, FTR and Chris Jericho, there’s nothing new on that and we were told it had not taken place as of press time. As of the weekend there was no resolution to the situation and there are many situations and things involved. Since I’ve been asked about this a lot, Punk has not apologized or attempted to make any direct amends to the Young Bucks, although those close to him said that’s because he’s been told not to have any contact with them and without any contact he couldn’t. Nobody has said he would if he could or he wouldn’t, because there are people who want everyone to make amends and that was suggested by many of at least an attempt at a way.
It’s not clear who would tell Punk not to reach out to The Elite, though the guess would be CEO and GM Tony Khan would be involved in some way. Given everything that’s gone down to this point, it’s understandable that Khan wouldn’t want back channel communication between Punk and Omega/The Bucks considering all that’s at stake.
On the other hand, brokering an “official” meeting would also make a ton of sense. If there’s any way for some of the biggest, most recognizable names to mainstream audiences to work together on the cusp of starting up a new weekly show, this is the time to explore it.
The expectation is that AEW will officially announce Punk’s return and the debut of AEW Collision ahead of time, so all eyes are now on whether that proves to be the case. What’s said — or not said — during those announcements will be interesting to dissect to determine if the trajectories of the main players in the All Out brawl will cross paths or not.