As expected, CM Punk appeared on Friday’s AEW Rampage episode on TNT from Chicago, IL at the Allstate Arena.
He did so when he opened the show. He cut a promo about how he left pro wrestling in 2005 when he went from ROH to WWE. He said that in August 2021, he’s back. He challenged Darby Allin to a match at All Out on September 5th.
Since July, it was reported CM Punk was in talks with AEW about an in-ring return. The belief was if he did sign then he would make his promotional debut on the same week as All Out in September or this Rampage.
Before the appearance, Punk recently followed AEW on Twitter. Living Colour, the band that performs the song ‘Cult of Personality’ and Punk used in WWE, also followed AEW, but quickly unfollowed them.
Chicago MADE!!#AEWRampage is included with your #AEWPLUS membership.
[ Join now ➡️ https://t.co/orzz2ZiadX ]
*Available in select intl markets pic.twitter.com/eL1APhO8Xi
— TrillerTV (@FiteTV) August 21, 2021
HE’S HERE! @CMPunk is in #AEW!
Tune into @tntdrama NOW to watch #AEWRampage #theFirstDance LIVE! pic.twitter.com/6LowAkmh1L
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) August 21, 2021
Happy @CMPunk Day #AEWRampage pic.twitter.com/zVIj8TR6ro
— AEW on TV (@AEWonTV) August 21, 2021
Welcome to the team…@CMPunk is #AllElite!#AEWRampage pic.twitter.com/aGxq9uHA6S
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) August 21, 2021
Tune in to @tntdrama NOW! @CMPunk is in the ring with a live microphone when we come back from commercial on #AEWRampage #theFirstDance! pic.twitter.com/BIlTcAoyK2
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) August 21, 2021
"I'm BACK! – @CMPunk
Tune into @tntdrama NOW to watch #AEWRampage #theFirstDance LIVE! pic.twitter.com/3UOaQuvQp5
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) August 21, 2021