Crazy reactions from AEW fans as Tony Khan signs CM Punk

He’s back!

After a hiatus of seven years, former WWE champion CM Punk was seen back in his element, wooing crowds just like the old times in his hometown of Chicago on Friday night.

Punk marked his return to professional wrestling by signing with All Elite Wrestling (AEW) and giving the fans a major throwback to his days with the WWE where he enjoyed an unmatchable fanbase in his prime.

The rumour of Punk joining AEW, an upstart promotion started in 2019, was put to rest when he walked down the ramp, surrounded by an emotional crowd chanting his name, soaking all the energy from his faithful present at Rampage.

Fans with teary eyes were all around, screaming at the top of their lungs and filling the arena with much adoration for Punk as the AEW star hugged a few lucky ones and even jumped into them to celebrate his return.

AEW fans were in awe of Tony Khan, CEO of All Elite Wrestling and the man behind the first real threat to Vince McMahon’s WWE in more than two decades.

With Punk’s signing, Khan took things to the next level for AEW, giving fans more to count on in the future.

Punk, 42, said that he had been talking with AEW founder Tony Khan, son of Jacksonville Jaguars owner Shad, for a year and a half. He would have returned sooner, he said, if not for the pandemic. Punk did not go into details on his contract but said it was for the long term and that he would not be a part-time performer.

AEW never announced Punk, whose real name is Phil Brooks, would appear on the show but teased it on several occasions. The rumours and reports led to AEW, selling out United Center for its biggest live attendance ever. 

Marking his return, Punk said Tony Khan had the idea to do a program with Darby Allin. He went on to say if he were a teenager, Darby would be his favourite wrestler. 

Punk will wrestle Darby Allin in his first match back at AEW “All Out,” a pay-per-view event, on September 5 in Chicago, according to the promotion.

Punk was released by WWE in 2014 after a dispute with the company that led to WWE’s doctor, Christopher Amann, suing him for defamation. Punk won the lawsuit. For years, WWE fans at events would chant “CM Punk!” if they did not like the product the promotion was putting in front of them.

CM Punk, called the Voice of the Voiceless for taking on the WWE management, was known for his legendary “pipebomb” promo from a 2011 episode of RAW.