They all said it wasn't going to happen, but WWE delivered one of the biggest surprises in the company's storied history at the end of last night's Survivor Series. Following the WarGames main event, it looked like the show was about to end...and then CM Punk's music hit.
The Best in the World walked out to the entrance ramp and soaked in the adulation of his home crowd before the screen went black. Talking at the post-show press conference, Triple H - who also shared a photo of him and Punk reunited - shed new light on the former AEW star's return.
"This was one of those lightning-in-a-bottle moments that came together very quickly, but we are really excited about it," The Game explained. "It's been a long time coming. You can say this about CM Punk, love him, hate him, positive, negative whatever you want to say, people talk about him all the time."
"He is a magnet for that. He is a conversation starter. And for me, if our fans want it, if the WWE Universe is excited to have it, then let's go, and we'll figure out the rest of it from there."
Triple H went on to say that the deal came together very late, with only himself and Nick Khan aware of what was going on. Addressing his past issues with Punk, he made it clear that it's all water under the bridge now.
"If you were the same person you were 10 years ago 10 years later, you've messed up," he noted. "Everybody grows, everybody changes. I'm a different person. He's a different person. It's a different company and we're all on the same, even starting ground."
As for what's next, Triple H said he's glad to have Punk back where he belongs in WWE and promises "[a] thrill ride for the WWE Universe."
Punk was sabotaged in AEW and we're optimistic he won't run into any similar issues in WWE. It would be a terrible shame if history repeated itself because it feels like this is his last chance in pro wrestling and an opportunity to end his career on a high before his inevitable WWE Hall of Fame induction.
Interestingly, it seems World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins had quite the reaction to Punk's return...