CM Punk is officially back in and already his return has sent shockwaves through the entire company.
His comeback has reportedly left some big names absolutely furious, with Scottish star Drew McIntyre – who apparently caught wind of the plans just before the main event – said to have stormed out of the Allstate Arena in Chicago after .
According to multiple reports, he is said to be legitimately annoyed over the way things have gone, while Seth Rollins was captured on camera looking absolutely livid.
In shocking footage shared by several fans once Survivor Series went off air, the current World Heavyweight Champion can be seen being physically held back by commentators Michael Cole and Corey Graves.
Fellow wrestlers Sami Zayn and Cody Rhodes were also trying to calm him down, along with a referee and security, as one clip on social media showed him raising both middle fingers and shouting the F-word in Punk’s direction.
He has made no secret of his real life feelings towards the returning legend, describing him as a ‘cancer’ in an explosive interview almost a year ago.
Punk came out to a hero’s welcome in as Cody, Sami, Jey Uso, Seth and Randy Orton – who had earlier returned 18 months after career threatening surgery – celebrated their win over Judgment Day.
Months after being fired by rival company All Elite Wrestling (AEW), the prodigal son almost a decade after walking out of WWE seemingly for good.
It was an unexpected twist and one of the most closely guarded secrets in the company’s history with plenty of reports suggesting Punk would not be returning.
However, the rumours were true and the former world champion stepped out in front of a capacity crowd of around 17,000 screaming fans chanting his name.
Punk didn’t have to say much, but did lead the crowd in his ‘it’s clobbering time’ catchphrase before hugging his adoring fans and asking ‘Whose town is this?’
The circumstances surrounding Punk’s comeback remain to be seen, but given his fractured relationship with WWE over the years, it’s nothing short of remarkable to see him back.
It comes after he was (AEW) early in September, with his contract was terminated just days after a backstage altercation at Stadium with boss Tony Khan and .
Neither WWE nor Punk had confirmed his return, and just weeks ago the star was asked outright if he would be there but refused to commit either way, .
Addressing a caller question on , he paused for a moment before saying: ‘They’re asking if I’m going to be there? I think it’s sold out. I think are hard to get.’
Back in 2014, he left the company under acrimonious circumstances, walking out and then being later served documents confirming his release on his wedding day.
Four years later, a judge ruled in his and former friend Colt Cabana’s favour in a defamation lawsuit filed by then-WWE doctor Christopher Amann.
It appeared bridges have been burned, but his and the passing of time had people thinking there was business to be done.
