For months, it was speculated that CM Punk would show up at AEW. The Elite was constantly asked questions and there were even reports that CM Punk was offered an AEW contract. He declined the offer, saying that he didn’t want to do business via text message.

But is this for real? According to a recent report, CM Punk auditioned for WWE Backstage, which will air on FS1 in November. The show will most likely be hosted by Renee Young and possibly Booker T. The audition was probably for a potential co-analyst/host role, but details remain fuzzy. The show will technically be run by FOX and not WWE, but the connection is obvious.

So, here are 5 reasons why CM Punk could return to WWE.

#5 CM Punk is open to a dialogue with Vince McMahon and Triple H

During his sit down interview at Starrcast 3, CM Punk made a revelation when asked whether he was open to a dialogue with Vince McMahon and Triple H.

CM Punk responded by saying,

Of course, this can be interpreted as Punk wanting the powers that be at WWE to call him and not the other way around. Perhaps, what is even more stunning is that he would be willing to go back to WWE, if they made an effort to bring him back.

#4 CM Punk wants to take advantage of the current pro wrestling boom

Once October hits, there will be wrestling in prime time from Monday to Friday. Monday Night RAW will be in full swing on the USA Network. Tuesdays will feature Impact Wrestling on AXS TV. Wednesday nights are sure to be action packed with NXT and AEW going head to head on the USA Network and TNT. SmackDown Live will be premiering this Friday on FOX.

A year ago, no one thought this would be possible, but it’s quite an amazing time to be a wrestling fan. There is something in it for everyone and the fact that all major wrestling companies will be utilizing streaming platforms to further their influence, simply adds to the amazement.

This should give CM Punk pause to realize that he could use all of this to his advantage. He’s already a legend in the business and his name has achieved cult status. If anything, wrestling is more mainstream than it was when he was on top. CM Punk is a smart businessman and knows what kind of impact he could have, if he ever came back.

Simply put, it’s best to strike while the iron is hot.

#3 CM Punk could get a big payday to return to WWE

WWE is quite aware of the kind of power that CM Punk has over the WWE Universe. They still chant his name during matches that have nothing to do with him. It would make sense that CM Punk is also aware of this. As discussed earlier, there is a lot of wrestling on television and that’s not even counting ROH and NJPW.

WWE would want to get ahead of the competition and having CM Punk return to the ring would certainly get people to tune in, whether that would be on WWE Monday Night RAW or WWE SmackDown. Ratings do matter and CM Punk could be introduced as a special attraction similar to Brock Lesnar, The Undertaker, or Bill Goldberg.

WWE has the kind of money and have been more than willing to pop open the checkbook. CM Punk would mean huge buy rates and ratings. Punk could even achieve his dream to main event WrestleMania and there’s nothing stopping him from putting that clause in the contract.

While it is still an assumption that both sides would actually meet to talk about a comeback, it’s CM Punk that holds all the cards.

#2 AEW may no longer be interested in working with CM Punk

According to a recent report, Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio, alleged that AEW would never work with CM Punk. This is reportedly in response to comments Punk made during an interview with ESPN. During the interview, he claimed with regards to an offer from AEW,

Cody Rhodes disputed these claims during an interview on Collider Live, saying that he made them look like, “Dumba**es.”

In his report, Dave Meltzer commented further on why AEW is not interested in working with CM Punk.

Adding more fuel to the fire, Cody Rhodes took to Twitter to let fans know that he wouldn’t be surprised if CM Punk ended up returning to WWE:

The evidence seems to suggest that AEW might not be interested in signing CM Punk anytime soon. While Cody Rhodes has said “the door is open” in the future, it doesn’t look like the company wants to work with him right now.

#1 Vince McMahon has a history of making amends with past foes

Bret Hart. Bruno Sammartino. The Ultimate Warrior. The list goes on. Most of these individuals vowed to never return to WWE and they did. The Bret Hart situation was probably the worst of all and very similar to CM Punk’s troubles with the company. Nevertheless, Vince McMahon has proven in the past that he’s more than willing to do business, if his company was going to gain as a result.

At the same time, CM Punk has said in interviews that he’s not that guy who disliked WWE anymore.

He said,

From those words, it sounds like CM Punk has done some soul searching and has let go of his past “anger.” Things have also changed within WWE. If CM Punk has truly moved on and is willing to sit down opposite Vince McMahon and Triple H, it would only benefit the WWE Universe.

Only time will tell if these things come to pass.

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