For the first time since his pro wrestling retirement in 2014, CM Punk is once again officially associated with WWE.Flanked by WWE Hall of Famer Booker T, Samoa Joe, Paige and NXT Champion Adam Cole, WWE Backstage host Renee Young teased that it was about time the FS1 show started hosting some of its own surprises. She then counted down from three as the Straight Edge Superstar's theme music, Cult of Personality, hit.Punk strode out onto the WWE Backstage set as Young and her cohorts reacted to the news. Facing the camera, Punk spoke directly to those at home, putting a twist on Rowdt Roddy Piper's classic catchphrase. “It’s as simple as this: Just when they think they got the answers, I change the culture. I’ll see you here next week.â€
The official WWE on FOX Twitter account accompanied the announcement with the statement that fans’ “chants have been answered,†explaining that CM Punk will be “appearing periodically on the show†starting from next Tuesday night.
Rumors circulated around Punk’s involvement with WWE Backstage ever since news broke that he had auditioned for the series back in September. His representatives had reportedly reached out to Fox officials expressing his interest in the show. Following his curiosity and subsequent audition, Punk utilized social media to convince fans that he had not heard back regarding the Backstage role. Further speculation followed, however, after Punk’s merchandise was pulled from popular website Pro Wrestling Tees. It didn’t take long for his return to make the kind of impact WWE was after, with "CM Punk" trending number one alongside "WWE Backstage" and "CM Punk Is Back" on Twitter.
It’s worth noting that Punk’s contract is not with WWE itself; he is actually signed to Fox. So whether this means he will eventually long for in-ring competition again, or is perfectly content periodically appearing on Backstage in a hosting capacity remains to be seen. But it's difficult not to theorize about something bigger on the horizon, considering WWE’s next pay-per-view, the traditional November show Survivor Series, just so happens to take place near CM Punk’s hometown, Chicago, Illinois.
During his time away from the promotion, Punk chased his dream of competing as a mixed martial artist. He achieved this twice, fighting in two losing efforts for the UFC in 2016 and 2018. He has also branched out into film -- recently making his acting debut in the horror movie Girl on the Third Floor -- and has written several comic books for Marvel including Thor, Drax and a one-shot of Master of Kung Fu.
Fans have long wanted Punk to return to the squared circle, and although there is no indication he’ll ever lace up his boots again, he is for now once again part of the WWE Universe.