It’s official – CM Punk is back in All Elite Wrestling.
The opening segment of the premiere episode of AEW Collision on Saturday night saw CM Punk come to the ring for a promo segment.
CM Punk began his promo by saying that he’s tired of being nice. He said he doesn’t care if the fans cheer or boo him because he knows he’s a controversial figure. While he didn’t directly reference the controversy surrounding his nearly 10-month hiatus, he did take some not-so-subtle shots at The Elite.
At one point doing his promo, Punk seemed to give a mock apology by saying he is a “money maker” who isn’t “soft.” Punk said the money he makes isn’t “counterfeit bucks,” which is clearly a reference to The Young Bucks.
It should be noted that CM Punk came out with a bag that appeared to contain a title belt. While the bag was never opened, it was made clear that Punk had plans to defend the AEW World Title last year but he wasn’t able to do so after suffering a left triceps tendon injury.
You can check out some highlights from the segment below:
He’s back!
Watch #AEWCollision LIVE on TNT!@CMPunk pic.twitter.com/Abp4Cj0Bl5
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) June 18, 2023
.@CMPunk has the mic! 🎤💥
Watch #AEWCollision LIVE on TNT! pic.twitter.com/i2Zivun1ob
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) June 18, 2023
"The King is back, baby!"
Watch #AEWCollision LIVE on TNT!@CMPunk pic.twitter.com/onIBpqwOid
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) June 18, 2023
