Last week, it started looking like CM Punk wouldn't make his AEW return on June 17 after all. That day marks the launch of new Saturday night show AEW Collision, and the Best in the World headlining it has been the expectation for several months now.
Well, multiple sources are weighing in to claim that talks between AEW and Punk have skewed on the positive side this week after the recent Ace Steel drama, with the former AEW World Champion indeed set to return next month.
It sounds like an NDA regarding the All Out brawl has been signed by everyone involved, so those of you hoping to hear Punk's take on what happened are likely to be disappointed. He's allegedly had to sign other legal documents that will protect AEW if anything similar happens again, but Punk wants to play ball so he can return to the ring and help the company grow.
As you might expect, if AEW couldn't secure Punk, there was no way the first AEW Collision show was going to be held in Chicago (the backup location was Daily's Place).
During last night's AEW Dynamite, there was no mention of Punk, but Tony Khan did confirm that the premiere will indeed hail from Chicago's United Center. This all but confirms he's set to return to the company because, if he isn't there, those fans are going to hijack the show in a big way!
It's looking like AEW won't announce Punk's return in advance, but similar to his Rampage debut, Khan is no doubt hoping curiosity among fans will give the newly launched show a huge ratings increase.
Watch the announcement below.
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