5 Huge Predictions For Tony Khan's Important AEW Dynamite Announcement

2. The Return Of CM Punk

CM Punk
AEW

Caught in the crowd at NJPW's Battle In The Valley was one CM Punk, the long-term AEW absentee whose comeback would make a bigger difference to the company's bottom line than any other.

While Punk may only have been in San Jose to watch wrestling amongst friends (Rancid guitarist/vocalist Lars Frederiksen was seen with the former AEW World Champion), the 44-year-old must have known he'd be spotted. Punk is smart. He knows how the news cycle works, and knows showing up at an NJPW show would put his name back in the headlines.

It'll stay there should Khan kick in the door and announce his comeback on this week's Dynamite.

There is admittedly much ground to be covered before this can become a reality. Punk could still be injured, having torn a triceps at All Out, and there's no guarantee the personal relationships torn apart in the infamous backstage brawl can ever be repaired. Still, The Elite vs. CM Punk and fellow absentees FTR is the biggest thing AEW could possibly book at the moment.

A Punk return is an antidote to AEW's current business malaise, provided those bridges can be rebuilt.

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.