CM Punk Looks Back On Backstage Happenings Before WWE Survivor Series Return

Nearly a year has passed since CM Punk made his highly anticipated return to WWE at Survivor Series 2023. Despite rampant speculation that Punk would appear, especially given that the event took place in his hometown of Chicago, Illinois, the situation remained uncertain even on the day of the event. In an interview with No-Contest Wrestling, Punk shed light on the chaotic moments leading up to his dramatic return.

1. Last-Minute Contract Negotiations

Punk explained that just hours before his return, he still hadn’t signed a contract with WWE. While the WarGames match was already underway, Punk was waiting for the lawyers from both sides to finalize the details of his agreement. As the show drew closer to its end, Punk remained backstage, unsure if his return would even happen.

• Punk’s Reflection: “I just sit down, and they’re starting the WarGames match. So it’s literally like, I don’t have a deal yet, and we’re at the end of the show. The lawyers are going back and forth hammering stuff out.”

2. Triple H’s Role in the Final Moments

With time running out, Triple H approached Punk backstage to give him a brief overview of the plan if the deal came through. While the terms were still being ironed out, Triple H made it clear that Punk’s return would happen if everything was settled in time.

• Triple H’s Assurance: “Triple H walks in, and he’s just like, ‘If this gets done, we’re going to wait until the time’s right, and we’ll bring you in through Gorilla.'”
• Punk’s Reaction: “I was like, ‘Okay, great.’”

3. The Critical Decision: When to Bring Punk Out

Once the contract was finalized, Punk described how everything came together quickly. With no rehearsed plan or specific instructions for his on-screen role, it became a spontaneous decision. In the final moments, a brief exchange between Punk and Triple H in the Gorilla Position determined that Punk would simply walk out and stand at the top of the ramp, marking his return.

• Punk’s Decision: “Contracts get executed, and it’s time. It’s literally just like, ‘Okay, deep breath, open the door, walk through Gorilla.'”

4. Seth Rollins’ Reaction to Punk’s Return

Punk also touched on the reaction of Seth Rollins, who was visibly frustrated by the surprise return. While the audience was thrilled to see Punk back, Rollins’ displeasure was apparent during the closing moments of the show.

• Punk’s Comment: “They decided in a matter of seconds to just have me walk out and stand at the top of the ramp. Seth Rollins was visibly upset, but we just went with it.”

Conclusion

CM Punk’s return at Survivor Series 2023 was a highly anticipated moment that nearly didn’t happen due to last-minute negotiations. In a chaotic backstage atmosphere, Punk worked with Triple H to make the moment happen, despite the uncertainty and minimal preparation leading up to his entrance. The unplanned nature of the return, along with Rollins’ reaction, made it one of the most talked-about moments of the event.