TNA/IMPACT Reportedly Unable To Meet CM Punk's Massive Salary Demands

Highlights

• CM Punk's potential collaboration with Impact Wrestling (TNA) is uncertain due to salary demands and doubts about his interest in joining the company.
• Punk's presence at Impact Wrestling tapings in Chicago was influenced by his close friend, Ace Steel, who now works there as a producer.
• Rumors linking Punk back to WWE seem to have hit a wall, making New Japan or joining TNA the two viable options for his return to wrestling.

Recent speculations have swirled around the possibility of a collaboration between CM Punk and Impact Wrestling (now known again as TNA), yet securing such a partnership might prove challenging. While reports indicated he was backstage at a recent event, it's not known if the two sides are able to work out Punk joining the company as a member of the roster. Moreover, it's not known if Punk is all that interested.

Reports from Fightful Select, indicate that Punk's annual earnings in AEW were "15 to 20 times" higher than what Impact typically pays its top talents. If he's looking for anywhere near that, his salary demands make him joining the company a non-starter. But, it might not get that far. Individuals close to Punk reportedly expressed doubts about his inclination to sign with TNA. Whether that's because he's holding out for WWE, or would rather not work in TNA until they show more signs of coming up with a better financial offer isn't clear.

Notably, Punk was spotted backstage at the Impact Wrestling tapings in Chicago, his hometown, following the Bound For Glory event. According to reports from Haus of Wrestling's Nick Hausman, Punk engaged with several talents during the event. His presence was intertwined with that of his close friend, Ace Steel, who is now working there as a producer at the tapings, potentially influencing Punk's attendance. Fans may recall that Steel was fired by AEW not longer after the backstage altercation with The Elite took place.

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And, while Punk may be more open to signing with WWE, rumors linking him back to the company seem to have hit a wall. Recent statements from WWE higher-ups denied any ongoing talks or pursuits involving Punk. They are teasing the possibility of him showing up on television, but word is they have no plans to follow through. Consequently, if Punk wants to come back to wrestling, going to New Japan or joining TNA emerge as the two viable options.

Could Punk Do a Shorter-Term Deal?

Sources suggested to Fightful that Punk could engage in a one-off match if he desired, and he might be open to such an opportunity. That would help the company avoid the costs of a full-time contract, but also get the rub that comes with drawing in viewers while the buzz surrounds the former AEW and WWE star.

If TNA can make that work, it's a bit of a risk and it won't be cheap, but Punk's potential involvement represents a significant opportunity. With a recent name change, the company might be looking for other ways to stay in the minds of wrestling fans. Punk's star power and name recognition would undoubtedly help.