After seven long years, CM Punk may finally be making his return to the squared circle. Following weeks of on-air teasers,AEW’sCEO Tony Khan tweeted that fans can expect a “new era in AEW” to begin atRampage’s Friday show.
AEW Rampage The First Dancewill be live from the United Center in Chicago on August 20. Airing from his hometown of Chicago, AEW fans are anxious to see if CM Punk will finally make his return to the ring.
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Ahead ofAEW Rampage, Khan tweeted what appears to be anotherhint at CM Punk’s return. Khan acknowledged the buzz swirling around tonight’s show for “the most anticipated announcement in AEW history.” Khan went on to say that this announcement will continue to build untilAEW All Outon September 5. With Khan’s promise to invite new and “dormant wrestling households” back into the wrestling world, he appears to be hinting at someone who will be able to bring enough excitement to have everyone keeping a close eye on AEW going forward.
For the past few weeks, AEW has made a few subtle hints at CM Punk’s debut with the wrestling promotion. Over recent weeks,wrestler Kenny Omegahas worn a Cookie Monster t-shirt and, most recently, a Chick Magnet shirt, which can both be shortened to CM. AEW has also continued to air a teaser with Darby Allin and Sting that teases Punk’s return. In the promo, Allin mentions that he’s been around a lot of men who deem themselves the greatest and that if they truly believe that, they can attempt to prove that in AEW, even if they think they’re the best in the world. This is a direct hint at CM Punk’s former use of the phrase.
CM Punk shockingly left WWE in 2014 following theRoyal Rumble Pay Per View. There were many factors that were named as reasons for his departure, including medical and booking concerns. After an extensive battle between CM Punk and WWE, he signed with UFC later that year. Punk had his first UFC match at UFC 203 in 2016 and his second, and last, in 2018. Recently, Punk has been a commentator for Cage Fury Fighting Championships.
On September 5,All Outwill also be taking place in Illinois at the NOW Center. If CM Punk doesn’t make his return at Rampage, it’s possible that the announcement Khan tweeted about for Rampage will only prolong the excitement for CM Punk’s debut. If CM Punk doesn’t debut at Rampage,it’s possible that Daniel Bryan, who was rumored to have signed with AEW, may appear instead.
AEWRampagewill be live from the United Center on June 08, 2025, at 10 pm Eastern time.
