Punk’s Triumphant Return After 9 Year Absence
In a shocking turn of events, former WWE champion CM Punk made his long-awaited return to WWE programming on Monday Night Raw this week. Punk had abruptly left the company back in 2014 and had not appeared on WWE television since. His return capped off months of rumors and speculation that he and WWE were negotiating a contract for his return.
Punk entered the ring on Raw to roaring crowd approval, soaking in “CM Punk” chants. He apologized to fans for leaving them behind 9 years ago. But more importantly, Punk announced that he had officially signed a contract with WWE to return as a full-time performer on the Raw brand.
Key Details of Punk’s New WWE Contract
- Multi-year deal, locking Punk in as a marquee Raw star
- Allows Punk to still take limited independent bookings
- Gives Punk creative input into storylines and opponents
- Probably the highest paying contract currently in WWE
Bringing back a star of Punk’s caliber is a major coup for WWE and the Raw brand specifically. Punk was one of WWE’s most popular performers during his initial run, holding championships and headlining major shows. Securing his return injects new energy into Raw and allows fresh matchups and feuds fans have waited nearly a decade to see.
Epic Confrontation with Seth Rollins Sets Stage for Rivalry
Moments after revealing his Raw contract signing, Punk was interrupted by current top Raw heel Seth Rollins. Still fuming from his WarGames loss at Survivor Series, Rollins came seeking retribution and making it clear he saw Punk’s return as a threat.
The two megastars traded verbal barbs to set the stage for what will likely be Raw’s central rivalry in months to come. Rollins and Punk have unfinished business from their initial WWE runs, and their confrontation this week made it obvious that their new rivalry will be very personal.
While Punk and Rollins did not get physical this week, tensions are running high. Many expect the two to begin actively feuding and possibly meet at the Royal Rumble next month. WWE has already announced Punk as an entrant in the Rumble match itself.
| Potential Feuds for CM Punk |
|---|
| Seth Rollins |
| Kevin Owens |
| Randy Orton |
| Drew McIntyre |
What Comes Next for CM Punk and WWE Raw
Beyond just Rollins, Punk’s return opens up a wealth of dream match and rivalry possibilities on Raw. With talents like Randy Orton, AJ Styles, Kevin Owens, Drew McIntyre and Bobby Lashley occupying top spots on the brand, there is no shortage of fresh opponents Punk could tangle with.
Expect WWE to position Punk back as a top-level championship contender on Raw right away. It would not be surprising for Punk to challenge current WWE Champion Bobby Lashley at WrestleMania next April. WWE knows the drawing power Punk brings, and they will want to capitalize quickly.
The next few weeks and months will be crucial in re-establishing Punk as a major player in WWE. With his star power and promo ability, combined with Raw’s stacked roster, the pieces are in place for CM Punk to pick up right where he left off 9 years ago. His return will reverberate through both Raw and the wrestling world at large.
Conclusion
CM Punk shocked fans by ending his self-imposed exile from WWE this week, announcing his return on Raw after nearly a decade away. In one moment, the wrestling landscape shifted dramatically. Punk brings unmatched credentials and a loyal fanbase still eager to see him perform.
The confrontations and conflict set in motion already with Seth Rollins show WWE plans to thrust Punk directly into major storylines. As a man who still feels he has unfinished business, expect Punk to take full advantage of this long-awaited homecoming.
To err is human, but AI does it too. Whilst factual data is used in the production of these articles, the content is written entirely by AI. Double check any facts you intend to rely on with another source.
