Everything WWE Superstars Have Said About CM Punk's Return
Robert King
Published Mar 28, 2026
Highlights
- Key Takeaways:
- CM Punk's unexpected return to WWE at Survivor Series 2023 defied expectations, creating a buzz in the wrestling world.
- Positive reactions from wrestlers like Bobby Lashley, Cody Rhodes, and Jey Uso highlight the potential business impact of Punk's comeback.
- However, negative reactions from wrestlers like Seth Rollins and Drew McIntyre show their disdain for Punk and his controversial history.
CM Punk, a name synonymous with rebellion and controversy, has resurfaced on the grand stage of WWE. Survivor Series 2023 witnessed a moment that no one saw coming – Punk, after a tumultuous history with the company, made a seismic comeback. With a past marked by clashes with WWE management and a recent departure from AEW, Punk's return defies expectations. From Seth Rollins, Rhea Ripley, Drew McIntyre, Bobby Lashley, Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton, Shawn Michaels, Kevin Owens, and Jey Uso, the reactions within the WWE lockerroom show the dichotomy of sentiments stirred by Punk's presence, from resounding cheers to vehement disapproval. The stage is set, and the wrestling world is abuzz with speculation about whether all this is a boon or bane for CM Punk?
Positive Reactions | Negative Reactions |
|---|---|
Bobby Lashley | Seth Rollins |
Jey Uso | Drew McIntyre |
Cody Rhodes | Rhea Ripley |
Kevin Owens | |
Randy Orton | |
Shawn Michaels |
CM Punk's Unexpected Return To WWE
CM Punk Showed Up At Survivor Series
In a seismic moment at WWE Survivor Series 2023, the arena pulsated with electric energy as CM Punk made an unprecedented return to the WWE ring. The wrestling world, which had witnessed Punk's tumultuous history with the company and his recent departure from AEW under the cloud of backstage issues, stood collectively stunned. Punk's journey from WWE pariah to a surprising returnee defied expectations, creating a buzz that transcended the typical boundaries of sports entertainment.
Despite his controversial past, the deafening roar of the audience echoed a resounding welcome back, showcasing the enduring allure and undying loyalty of Punk's fanbase. The Survivor Series marked not just a return but a resurgence, leaving fans and fellow wrestlers alike grappling with the shockwaves of Punk's earth-shattering comeback.
CM Punk's Return Highlights A Major Difference Between WWE & AEW
When CM Punk arrived in AEW he couldn't stop burying WWE, but when he returned to his former home he didn't mention AEW once.WWE Wrestlers Who Reacted Positively To Punk
Jey Uso, Bobby Lashley, And Shawn Michaels Support CM Punk
As the wrestling landscape adjusts to the seismic return of CM Punk, a spectrum of opinions emerges within the WWE locker room. Notably, those expressing positivity regarding Punk's comeback share a common thread – a focus on the potential business impact rather than delving into the labyrinth of personal controversies. First to step into the spotlight is Cody Rhodes, a familiar face in Punk's journey, having shared a wrestling home in AEW. Rhodes, who made the transition to WWE prior to Punk's return, calmly acknowledged Punk's potential contributions in a post-Survivor Series press conference. He said, “I don't want to be short with my response, but it truly is this. If he can help with where we're going and what we're doing, absolutely. Welcome aboard. I have a feeling that the CM Punk that potentially we're getting is hungry, and that's the best."
Adding his voice to the chorus of approval, Bobby Lashley, in an exclusive interview with The Ten Count, displayed a pragmatic stance. Lashley, who admitted to lacking a personal equation with Punk, acknowledged the undeniable draw of Punk's popularity while cautioning him from taking it for granted. He wants Punk to earn back respect. He said:
“If he comes back and he helps out the show, that's the business side of it ... I hope they give him an opportunity to kind of prove his loyalty to the business and some of the people in there, just to let everybody know — some of the naysayers, some of the people that aren't too happy about him being there. I hope he has this opportunity to work his way back up to the top, and not just given everything because maybe he negotiated a contract to allow him to do that."
Jey Uso chimed in on the phenomenon. Speaking candidly on The Bump, Uso emphasized Punk's undeniable cult following and superstar status. He said, "Like, why wouldn't we sign CM Punk? I know he got a whole bunch of haters or whatever. If we're going to be honest, he's a superstar, first and foremost. People talk about him, and if it got anything to do with wrestling, his name's in it. He's like on some 'Tribal Chief' status. He's top guy, regardless of whatever is going on. So my invitation is open. Bring him, let's go, let's run. I'll be the first one to run with him.”
Kevin Owens also said on James Williams' podcast that he's good with Punk as he wants to have fun at work. Not to mention Randy Orton, who also returned the same night as Punk and was seen waving at him comedically. Recently speaking on NXT Deadline Media Call (H/T WrestlePurists), Shawn Michaels said that he welcomes the decision to bring Punk back as it's good for WWE and that he wants Punk to have a peaceful final chapter in wrestling. He added, “We looked at this business a lot of the time the same way and I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that.”
Wrestlers Who Reacted Negatively To Punk
Seth Rollins And Drew McIntyre Have Spoken Out Against CM Punk On WWE TV
Not all WWE stars were thrilled about Punk's return. Seth Rollins, a vocal critic of Punk, openly expressed his disdain by flipping him off at Survivor Series and later unleashed a verbal tirade, labeling Punk a hypocrite and unworthy of anyone's time. He even told Adam Pierce to wait until Punk shows his true colors. He said on RAW, "Get it out of your system because I’ll tell you what, I don’t want to spend one more second, one more ounce of energy on that hypocrite,” Drew McIntyre, seemingly referencing Punk's backstage controversies on RAW, indirectly criticized WWE's forgiveness policy for such behavior. He said:
"Apparently you can get fired, released, leave, do what you want for a bunch of time, come back to the company, and you're instantly forgiven these days”
CM Punk's Heated History With Seth Rollins, Explained
Seth Rollins wasn't happy to see CM Punk at Survivor Series, but WWE's World Heavyweight Champion and Punk have verbally sparred many times.Rhea Ripley, never ceasing to be a standout, didn't use any words, instead, with a simple gesture at Survivor Series, showed her disinterest by flipping off Punk, indicating her lack of enthusiasm for his return. CM Punk's return has undeniably stirred a mix of emotions within the WWE roster, highlighting the diverse perspectives on the controversial wrestler's comeback, but with the fans rallying behind him, it seems like love and hate are both really working in his favour.
