It's still not confirmed, but former WWE Champion CM Punk is indeed expected to return to pro wrestling on Friday night when he debuts with AEW during the second episode of Rampage.
"The First Dance" edition of the show takes place in Chicago's United Center, and it's likely Punk would then make his in-ring return during the All Out PPV on September 5 (which also takes place in his hometown). Now, we have a big update as Fightful Select is reporting that TNT officials are already operating on the assumption that the Best in the World is on his way to AEW.
It's said that TNT and WarnerMedia officials are "very aware" of plans for Punk and that they fully intend on putting their full promotional machine behind him once this big return happens.
While AEW programming is set to move to TBS next year, the network is said to be extremely impressed with how well the company's shows are selling, and the sort of synergy that's been created with tying Punk's debut into the United Center, the NBA’s Chicago Bulls, and the city of Chicago.
The huge amount of mainstream media attention also hasn't gone unnoticed, while ratings for both Dynamite and Rampage continue to impress (the latter debuted with 740,000 viewers).
Keep checking back here for updates on CM Punk ahead of Friday's Rampage!
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