CM Punk's shock firing from AEW left pro wrestling fans reeling, but for WWE viewers, it meant the door was finally open to the Best in the World returning to the sports entertainment giant.
In recent weeks, fans have convinced themselves that WWE has been dropping hints about Punk's return (there are those, for example, who are resolute in their belief he'll battle Shinsuke Nakamura at Survivor Series this weekend). The former AEW Champion has also hinted that it might be in the works, but at the same time, we know he likes to have fun with that sort of thing.
It's previously been reported that while some talks may have taken place, WWE isn't currently interested in signing Punk.
In the world of pro wrestling, we never know whether leaks like that are correct or not and there will inevitably be a lot of fans tuning into Survivor Series this weekend to see if Punk returns in front of his hometown crowd in Chicago.
During last night's episode of RAW, Randy Orton was confirmed as the mystery fifth man on the babyface WarGames team. That closed the door on Punk returning to lend Cody Rhodes and company a helping hand and, if Fightful Select is to be believed, that was a deliberate move on WWE's part.
It's said that WWE's stance on Punk has not changed and that the Orton reveal was done intentionally to end the speculation and avoid disappointment.
It would be strange for Punk to return earlier in the show for what would essentially be a mid-card feud with Nakamura and, if he is a no-show, then we're sure that speculation will only continue to run rampant as January's Royal Rumble nears. Then, if there's no sign of him here, it will no doubt be the same again for the RAW after WrestleMania!
We don't know why WWE wouldn't bring Punk back as he'd be a huge draw for them but there's a lot of bad blood there and we're sure the company is concerned after hearing about what happened with him backstage in AEW.
Do you think we'll see Punk at Survivor Series this weekend? As always, let us know your thoughts and theories in the comments section.