Report: CM Punk Has "Got The Wrestling Bug Again"
Have we seen the last of CM Punk in pro wrestling? Perhaps not...
He may be on his way out of All Elite Wrestling, but CM Punk might not be done with professional wrestling entirely.
The 44-year-old and AEW are reportedly negotiating over a contract buyout following All Out 2022, where Punk, after verbally attacking multiple company personnel during an incendiary post-show press scrum, brawled with Kenny Omega and The Young Bucks.
A potential non-compete period for CM Punk is understood to be the sticking point.
That a non-compete would factor into the process sparked understandable speculation on a possible WWE return for Punk, who left the market leaders in 2014. Fightful Select has now learned from a WWE source that they would be interested in using Punk. Representatives of other companies have said similarly, noting that they'd like to at least have the conversation, though they were unsure of his motivation.
Nonetheless, one source close to the two-time AEW World Champion has indicated that Punk has "got the wrestling bug again." They refused to rule out an in-ring return for Punk, who was also injured while wrestling at All Out, sidelining him for an expected 6-8 months.
Will CM Punk Wrestle Again?
The source noted that they aren't sure if Punk will still feel this way after he has healed and all the moving parts regarding his AEW status have been resolved. Nonetheless, they believe that Punk will have options available to him should he wish to continue.
Nick Hausman reported earlier this week that some sources close to the situation believe CM Punk will never step foot in a wrestling ring again.