Report: FOX Upset WWE Didn't Try To Sign CM Punk
FOX's reaction to CM Punk's AEW debut - and how it impacted Brock Lesnar and Becky Lynch.
WWE's decision not to pursue new AEW signing CM Punk has upset one of its network partners.
This is according to Dave Meltzer, who writes in this week's Wrestling Observer Newsletter that FOX are bothered by the promotion not pursuing Punk to prevent him from going to AEW. The network's frustration led to WWE fast-tracking Brock Lesnar and Becky Lynch's returns at SummerSlam 2021 - a political move presumably made to appease FOX.
The report also states that WWE and FOX typically have an "up and down relationship." Much of this stems from WWE promoting its Peacock content on SmackDown, as the blue brand airs on FOX while Peacock is owned by a rival group in NBCUniversal.
Punk retains a positive relationship with FOX stemming from his time as a pundit on WWE Backstage.
The 42-year-old's return to pro wrestling following a seven-year absence is destined to go down as one of this era's biggest stories, and it is already producing significant benefits for AEW. Punk's two appearances to date have produced considerable ratings spikes for Rampage and Dynamite. Whether or not this will continue remains to be seen, but it's a positive start.