Ever since his All Elite Wrestling departure in early September, fans have speculated that CM Punk could be making his WWE return at Survivor Series in his hometown of Chicago. However, all reports suggested that talks were not on the cards and that the debut was extremely unlikely—unless it was the best-kept secret in wrestling. And boy, it was just that.

Fast forward to last night. It was teased that the returning Randy Orton, who was the fifth and final member of the men’s War Games Babyface team, was yet to arrive at the building. Something that immediately led to CM Punk chants and online talk that this was an angle that could lead to The Second City Saint stepping into the spot instead.

As the match rolled on, there would still be no sign of The Viper, until the final entrance was due. When the clock struck zero, it was Ria Ripley’s music that played, who ran out with Damien Priest’s Money in the Bank briefcase, providing an opportunity to attempt to cash in on the now World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins.

The cash-in would then be interrupted by Randy Orton’s entrance music as he made his way to the ring to initiate the final stretch of War Games. Orton’s appearance would all but end any hopes of a CM Punk return, which would confirm prior reports that he wouldn’t be at the show. But Triple H still had an ace up his sleeve.

**THE RETURN**

The Babyface team secured victory after a flurry of finishing maneuvers. They would celebrate as the copyright symbol appeared on the screen, something that usually indicates the end of the show. However, the infamous static would strike as “Cult of Personality” filled the All State Arena to the surprise of every viewer watching.

Punk would then come out onto the entranceway, embracing the front row of his hometown crowd before screaming into the air as Survivor Series faded to black.

**THE REACTION**

Before we get into how this happened, let’s cover a couple of interesting points regarding the reaction from those in the company after the trigger was pulled to sign the most divisive name in the business.

The reaction from Seth Rollins immediately created headlines as fan footage showed that he was visibly angry at CM Punk, with him being restrained by several members of the WWE staff. This comes after recent negative comments made towards Punk in interviews, where he labeled him a “cancer” while telling him to stay away from WWE. According to Fightful Select, when Seth got backstage, he was said to have been ushered away by Triple H, as the confused CM Punk looked on. They were unable to confirm if this was a genuine reaction; however, the report does note that we should be cognizant of the fact that this could be part of a work towards a potential storyline in the future.

**HOW IT HAPPENED**

Regarding how the deal came together, Triple H would note that this came together super quick, which is why it stayed very tight. He mentioned that there’s a lot of energy and excitement in WWE, and they’re ready to make it bigger than it’s ever been before.

Another name asked about CM Punk at the press conference was fellow AEW alumni Cody Rhodes, who’s been open about his friendship with the Straight Edge Superstar. Cody would say that as long as Punk is here to help, he’s on board.

**A SECOND CHANCE**

Regardless of who you blame for the CM Punk situation in AEW, whether that be Tony Khan, The Elite, or Punk himself, it’s undeniable that the way many people look at him isn’t the same as it was when he arrived. With him now having a second chance to show who he really is and what he can truly bring to the business, the pressure’s on to deliver a home run in the final innings of his illustrious career.

**WAS AEW & TNA AN OPTION?**

It’s been reported by PW Insider that TNA Wrestling made an effort to sign the Second City Saint ahead of his WWE return; however, obviously, a deal wasn’t able to be reached. There would also detail whether an AEW return was ever on the cards. PW Insider would confirm that following his termination, there was never any talk over a potential return to AEW.

But what do you make of CM Punk’s huge return to WWE? Did AEW make the right decision in letting him go? Did CM Punk make the right decision in turning TNA down for WWE? And did WWE make the right decision in re-signing him? Let me know what you think in the comments down below.