The Problem With CM Punk That No One Wants To Talk About

There is more appetite for a CM Punk return than any other in pro wrestling right now.

Gone since January 2014, when he was unceremoniously dumped by WWE after years of misery in the world's biggest promotion, he has teased and flirted with the sport on many occasions, spurned it for mixed martial arts, and dipped his toe into the water on WWE Backstage, but never pulled the trigger. That time away is part of why this is so hotly anticipated.

Leaving at 35, so close to a wrestler's traditional prime, with so much ground left to cover, is another factor, as is the obvious appeal of theoretical dream encounters with wrestlers he has never crossed paths with before. Imagine Punk vs. Moxley in the ring or Punk vs. Kingston on the microphone. Ultimately, though, it is the devotion Punk inspires in his most loyal fans (many of whom now comprise AEW's audience) that all but guarantees a post-debut boost.

That Punk wasn't a high-drawing WWE Champion shouldn't cause much concern. This is a different fanbase, many of whom will have grown up with Punk as their pro wrestling idol. They have had 10 more years to get angrier, more tried, and more disenfranchised with what goes on in Vinceland. 10 years ago, Punk was a received remedy to McMahonism; in 2021, he will be received as a hero.

For a while, at least, Punk will spike attendances, boost ratings, and ensure AEW dominates the news cycle. Such is the power he wields.

But said power comes at a cost.

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