CM Punk Reveals Major Role Vince McMahon Played In His Surprise Return To WWE

In a new interview, WWE superstar CM Punk revealed that Vince McMahon’s departure from the company likely played a huge role in his stunning return late last year.

Last November, CM Punk shocked the wrestling world when he made his return to WWE. While the move had been rumored in the weeks leading up to Survivor Series 2023, it was still shocking to see him back on WWE airwaves after such a bitter departure a decade ago.

Related: CM Punk And WWE On The Verge Of A Contract Dispute? New Reports Give Cause For Some Concern

After leaving AEW on bad terms following two backstage brawls, and showing no love for WWE in the years since he left, it seemed like he had burned the two biggest bridges in the sport. But pro wrestling is a very “never say never” industry and his comeback to his long-time home proved just that.

There has been a lot of speculation and rumors about how a contract between WWE and CM Punk came together last year. However, on Thursday in a chat with Wrestling Observer interviewer Denise Salcedo at San Diego Comic-Con, he explained the part Vince McMahon actually played in his return.

CM Punk admits Vince McMahon’s departure played a huge role in his return

“There were a lot of things that had to happen for the pathway to kind of clear. The stars had to align. There had to be a full moon,” Punk said. “A lot of dominoes fell in order for us to get here. There was a never a, ‘Man, I’d really like to go back.’ Vince being out of the picture probably illuminated the way.

“That might have been one of the biggest things. That’s both ways, for everybody who is going to sensationalize a headline. It wasn’t me, it wasn’t him, there’s just a lot of history there,” he added. “All of a sudden, one of us is removed from the equation, and I think it changed a lot of things.”

The disgraced founder of the company likely had a lot of ill will towards Punk due to how he left the company and the lawsuit that followed. That was rumored to be the biggest hurdle in a potential return and the multi-time world champion’s comments now confirm that.

Related: CM Punk Reacts To John Cena Retirement Announcement, Vows To Wrestle Him

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