On Saturday, AEW confirmed that CM Punk had been fired following a backstage incident at Wembley Stadium's All In the previous week.
Punk has yet to comment on what happened but we continue to hear conflicting reports; for the most part, fans can agree that the Best in the World parting ways with AEW was best for both parties, though the real losers in this situation are the people watching from home (and AEW Colission's ratings, of course).
While Punk's final match with his old Ring of Honor rival, Samoa Joe, taking place in front of a record-breaking crowd would mean his career ends on a high, it would also be a shame for us not to see the "Real" AEW Champion in the squared circle again.
We don't know if he has a non-compete clause but an eventual WWE seems at least somewhat likely. Like Cody Rhodes, Punk would be a huge draw for the company and it seems likely he won't encounter any of the same backstage issues in the sports entertainment giant as he did in the poorly managed halls of AEW.
According to Fightful Select, Punk was open to returning to WWE earlier this year. He'd seriously considered leaving AEW last December and seemed positive about the possibility of once again being part of the company he left way back in 2014.
It's said that Punk wanted to appear at the Royal Rumble, only to be eliminated from the 30-man match by the person he'd then face during night one of WrestleMania. Apparently, Kevin Owens' name was suggested, so he's clearly someone Punk would like to wrestle.
It's unclear whether WWE was involved in these conversations or even open to the idea. However, the fact Punk considered this could show where his mind is right now and we'd be shocked if there aren't already talks taking place.
"Phil played an important role within AEW and I thank him for his contributions," AEW President Tony Khan, supposedly in fear for his life, said over the weekend. "The termination of his AEW contracts with cause is ultimately my decision, and mine alone. Of course, I wish I didn't have to share this news, which may come as a disappointment to many of our fans."
"Nevertheless, I am making the decision in the best interests of the many amazing people who make AEW possible every week — our talent, staff, venue operators and many others whose efforts are unsung but essential to bringing our fans great shows on television and at arenas and stadiums throughout the world."
Stay tuned for updates on CM Punk as we have them.