AEW's Business Boost: CM Punk's Comeback

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In an anticipated turn of events, CM Punk, one of the most electrifying characters in professional wrestling, is set to make a grand comeback to All Elite Wrestling (AEW). His return is slated for the much-awaited premiere of Collision on Saturday, June 17.

Punk's imminent return has drawn mixed reactions. Some fans are excited, eager to see their favorite wrestler back in the ring. On the other hand, there are whispers of discontent among others, stirred by speculations that AEW might introduce a roster division to accommodate his comeback.

Despite the divided opinions, there's no denying the anticipation enveloping this event – it's an exciting time to be a pro wrestling fan. One might question if Tony Khan, AEW President, is making a prudent decision by ushering Punk into the fold.

I argue that the move is a resounding "yes." While AEW Dynamite's current ratings are stable, AEW isn't a company that should settle for merely 'fine.' Past ratings prove that the show drew 900K+ viewers consistently and demo ratings above 0.32 when Punk was part of the ensemble.

These figures have become an exception rather than a standard, indicating that Punk's presence positively impacts the ratings.

CM Punk: The Star Power AEW Needs

Historically, pro wrestling thrives on star power. It's no coincidence that AEW's popularity soared when Punk, Bryan Danielson, and Adam Cole were inducted simultaneously in late 2021.

In this star-driven sport, AEW could use a superstar like Punk to bolster its roster and viewership. Therefore, his return seems a logical step for the company. A recurring argument against Punk's return revolves around his locker room influence.

These concerns are reminiscent of narratives spun in real sports over decades, usually overstated or less consequential than on-field production. Punk's past behavior, notably during the All Out media scrum, has been less than professional, and his open challenge to Hangman Page on AEW Dynamite added to the controversy.

However, it's important to note that it was the early days of Punk's return to wrestling when these incidents occurred. AEW is gambling on the hope that he has evolved since, learning to navigate a pro wrestling locker room more effectively in 2023.

It is also important to remember that many wrestlers are fans of Punk and eagerly await his return, thus further justifying his comeback.