Modified on Oct 23, 2023 at 7:55 PM IST
Former WWE manager Dutch Mantell, aka Zeb Colter, believes CM Punk will return to the company at Survivor Series.
The eight-time champion was released from his WWE contract in 2014, after which he stayed away from pro wrestling for over seven years. Punk joined AEW in 2021, but his run with the company was riddled with controversy and ended when he was fired from the company last month following a backstage altercation.
WWE has dropped several references to CM Punk in recent weeks, leading many to believe that the star could make an appearance at Survivor Series, which will take place in his hometown of Chicago. Dutch Mantell shared the same sentiments when speaking on the latest edition of Sportskeeda Wrestling’s Smack Talk.
“I still think that’s a misdirection. I think we’ll see him. He’s floating out there and I think they will.” [51:37 – 51:52]
Vince Russo believes CM Punk shouldn’t return to WWE
CM Punk has been the talk of the town ever since he was terminated from AEW for cause. Shortly thereafter, rumors of his return to the Stamford-based promotion began circulating, which was followed by several references to WWE programming.
However, Vince Russo believes that the former AEW Champion should not return to his old hunting ground. The wrestling veteran explained that Punk shouldn’t join any promotion and do his own thing.
“I have to tell you. Here’s the thing, man. If I’m CM Punk, I’ve created a great brand for myself. The controversy created a great brand for CM Punk. If I was a punk, I’d be done stopping.” My cars to everyone. Take this brand and do your own thing. Right after that we got a show with EC3. If EC3 can start their own wrestling promotion with a fraction of the money that Punk has, if I were Punk, my days of working for anyone would be over. The only person I work for from now on is myself,” said Vince Russo.
CM Punk’s final appearance for the global juggernaut came at the 2014 Royal Rumble. He left the company on a bad note when he was fired on his wedding day. However, the star was present backstage at RAW earlier this year where he appeared to mend fences.
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