Recent discussions online have included some less-than-informed fans spouting off the notion that CM Punk will end up in TNA Impact Wrestling soon enough since walking out on his WWE deal. While this has about as much chance of happening as the Kansas City Royals winning the World Series, some people would be surprised to know that Punk has already been in TNA. In July 2003, CM Punk made his debut for the upstart Jeff Jarrett promotion while wrestling in various independent promotions around the country. Shane Douglas was in the midst of a rivalry with fellow ECW alum Raven and CM Punk debuted as a wrestler who was trying to impress Raven. Punk ended up taking a fireball to the face from Father James Mitchell in a less-than-successful debut but did manage to become a member of Raven's stable. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zv-jwYq9_iM Alongside Julio Dinero, Kazarian, Alexis Laree (later known as Mickie James), Johnny Devine, and Michael Shane, CM Punk became a member of The Gathering. Punk and Dinero played the role of Raven worshipers but eventually turned on their leader, turning heel and aligning themselves with James Mitchell. The angle was interrupted by Punk's abrupt TNA departure, which was caused by our next entry on the list...
