CM Punk TNA plans came close to reality, as new details reveal the wrestling icon nearly made a surprise debut in the company, following his high-profile exit from AEW in September 2023. Insights from TNA star Steve Maclin have now shed light on behind-the-scenes discussions that could have changed the landscape of professional wrestling, especially after Punk’s contentious departure from All Elite Wrestling and explosive return to WWE.
CM Punk’s Wrestling Career Takes Dramatic Turns
After being released from AEW due to a physical altercation with other talents backstage, CM Punk found himself at a career crossroads. In November 2023, just two months after his firing, he made headlines by rejoining WWE at Survivor Series: WarGames held in his hometown of Chicago. This return stunned the wrestling world and marked Punk’s third major run with a prominent promotion after stints with WWE and AEW.
TNA Was in Talks With CM Punk Following AEW Exit
Shortly after his release from AEW, negotiations reportedly picked up between CM Punk and TNA, according to Steve Maclin. During an interview with Sports Illustrated, Maclin revealed that he was informed by then-company president Scott D’Amore about the possibility of Punk signing with TNA and being immediately involved in a high-profile storyline. Maclin stated that he would have been Punk’s debut rival if the deal had materialized.
“If you want some behind-the-scenes dirt that nobody knows about, CM Punk, before almost possibly signed with TNA — was coming in and I was gonna be his first challenger, which I found out right as Scott D’Amore was getting let go or was let go.We were having dinner one night and he let me know, ‘Yeah, Punk was gonna almost sign there and then you were gonna be his first challenger.’ I was like, ‘Sh*t!’ That would have been cool.You see his time from coming back into wrestling, what happened at AEW and to even WWE, it just shows the star that he is now and that he’s always kind of been that way… that culture. He’s literally a cult of personality, if you wanna play the cliché to the song but, he just shows the magnitude that he’s one of the last alive superstars.There were a few times he was behind the scenes in Chicago (for TNA). It was cool to just see him… I’m like, ‘Oh, CM Punk, what’s up, man?’ He’s like, ‘Oh, what’s up Mr. Maclin?’ I was like, ‘Cool. Good to see you.’Because he was really good to me when I was an extra in WWE and you always hear the horror stories — an extra — when you say hello to people, like, people shun you and stuff but he was very respectful and I never forgot that. That’s always something in wrestling that I never forget is the people that were nice to me on the way up. [H/T: Fightful]”
– Steve Maclin, TNA Superstar
Steve Maclin Reflects on Missed Opportunity and Punk’s Influence
Maclin recounted how Scott D’Amore informed him during a dinner meeting that things were aligning for CM Punk to enter TNA, and that Maclin would be the first in line for a high-profile feud. The timing was bittersweet, as D’Amore himself was being let go from his leadership post at TNA during these discussions. Maclin’s reaction underscored the excitement and potential impact such a storyline could have brought, not only to his own career but to the company as a whole.
The TNA star also spoke about seeing Punk visit backstage in Chicago several times, highlighting their positive relationship from when Maclin was a WWE extra. Punk’s respectful demeanor stood out to Maclin, as he noted that it’s rare in wrestling to find established stars who consistently treat newcomers well. These personal moments contributed to the lasting respect Maclin has for Punk within the wrestling business.
How a CM Punk TNA Debut Could Have Shaken Up Wrestling
The near miss of having Punk join TNA speaks volumes about his continued relevance and appeal in professional wrestling. Known within the industry as “the Second City Saint,” Punk’s movements are often game-changers, with his every appearance inciting major reactions from both fans and insiders. If the CM Punk TNA plans had come to fruition, his feud with Maclin would have been a marquee storyline, potentially elevating TNA’s visibility at a critical time.
While Punk ultimately returned to WWE, his willingness to consider TNA highlights the shifting alliances and unpredictability that define modern wrestling. The revelation that even a top-tier superstar like Punk entertained a TNA debut demonstrates how fluid and competitive the wrestling landscape has become, especially following high-profile incidents like his AEW exit and backstage altercation.
What This Means for the Wrestling Industry
The disclosure of these CM Punk TNA plans by Steve Maclin brings fresh understanding to the business machinations happening behind the scenes in wrestling. Scott D’Amore’s role as a key negotiator also underscores how quickly leadership changes can influence company direction and superstar decisions. As wrestling fans speculate about what could have been, this story stands as another example of near-misses that shape the sport’s history.
CM Punk’s career remains a testament to the volatile, passionate world of wrestling, where opportunities can arise and disappear almost overnight. As TNA, WWE, and AEW continue to compete for marquee names, stories like these add to the intrigue, showing the immense value placed on industry veterans and the dramatic possibilities that can emerge from even the briefest negotiations.
