Before making his pro wrestling return with AEW in 2021, CM Punk came close to rejoining WWE around 2018 or 2019. This possibility emerged from a secretive meeting involving WWE executives that nearly resulted in his return, revealing a chapter of his career that fans had not known.
A Private Meeting with Vince McMahon and Paul Levesque
During an appearance on Barstool Sports’ My Mom’s Basement podcast, Punk described a discreet encounter he had with WWE chairman Vince McMahon and executive Paul “Triple H” Levesque at the Borgata casino in Atlantic City. The meeting led to a handshake agreement for Punk’s comeback, but the deal ultimately fell through when McMahon stopped responding to him.
Punk explained the unusual nature of the meeting:
“I think the Twitter and the internet perception is I tried to go back to WWE and they didn’t want me, so I went and did the Fox show [WWE Backstage]. Like, that’s not exactly — that’s not what happened at all. I had a hilarious clandestine meeting in the Borgata in Atlantic City with Vince and Triple H. I don’t even know now, like what is it? It’s 2025, this has to be 2018 or 2019.”
He added details about how the talks began:
“And it’s just cause Vince just started — I had agents, they were telling me, ‘Hey, they want to talk to you.’ And I was like, whatever, I’m not interested, you know? And then Vince just started calling me. He was like, ‘Hey, I’m eliminating the middle man. Like, we gotta.’ And I was just like, this is insane, you know?”
And it just so happened that like, well, I’m going to be here. All right, we can get there. Okay, all right. We had a meeting and we had a handshake agreement and then he ghosted me.
—CM Punk
Resolving Past Differences with Triple H
The meeting also marked a turning point in Punk’s relationship with Triple H, with whom he had been at odds in the past. Punk noted that the conversation helped clear the air between them and that he was now focused on treating their interactions as business rather than personal conflicts.
I was very much just like, yeah, okay — like, you know, pay me,
Punk said.
I took some stuff personally. Years have gone by — like, all right, I’m over it. Recognize that it’s a business. Like, you don’t want me to take it personally, just pay me.
—CM Punk
Later Work with WWE and Upcoming Championship Opportunity
Following the failed 2018 deal, Punk signed with Fox in 2019 to work as a panelist for WWE Backstage, a discussion show centered on WWE storylines and events. Though the show was short-lived, this allowed Punk to maintain a visible presence within WWE programming.
Punk eventually returned to WWE in 2023 and is set to challenge for the World Heavyweight Championship at SummerSlam. This event will take place at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on August 2 and 3. A victory over champion Gunther would mark Punk’s first WWE title reign since 2013.
Promotion and Additional Interviews
Recently, Punk and wrestler Rhea Ripley appeared together on My Mom’s Basement to promote the upcoming WWE: Unreal docuseries, scheduled to premiere on Netflix on July 29. Their full interview offers further insights into their careers and perspectives on the wrestling business.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Did CM Punk apologize?
A. CM Punk said sorry to fans in Saudi Arabia because of a tweet that caused a stir before WWE Night of Champions. When Punk showed up at the WWE Night of Champions kickoff show, fans booed him. A fan yelled something at Punk, prompting him to stop and talk about his earlier tweet about The Miz.
Q. Does CM Punk support LGBTQ?
A. Punk is known for supporting trans rights and shows this support both in and out of the wrestling ring. While with AEW in 2023, he made his stance clear. Calling himself the “Voice of the Voiceless,” Punk spoke up for LGBTQ+ communities.
Q. Was CM Punk actually hurt?
A. Even though Punk seemed injured, his fall was planned. In contrast, McIntyre got hurt for real and needed 16 stitches. The intense match excited fans, making them curious about what’s next for both wrestlers.
Q. Why doesn’t CM Punk talk to his brother?
A. CM Punk’s brother, Mike Broox, discussed taking money from the Lunatic Wrestling Federation. This caused their relationship to end over twenty years ago.
