Backstage News On WWE's Part in CM Punk Joining the 'WWE Backstage' Team

Although it has been rumored for several weeks, CM Punk debuting on FS1’s WWE Backstage still was very surprising to those who witnessed it via television, and even live. Following the show, Paige, Samoa Joe, and Booker T expressed their feelings on CM Punk’s (sort of) WWE return, after nearly six years away from the company.

According to the hosts of the show, Renee Young was the only person who knew about CM Punk coming to the studio and joining the team, and had to keep it a secret for a while. She expressed that she feels relieved that she does not have to keep the secret anymore.

Despite the surprise addition as a contributor to the WWE Backstage crew, CM Punk is not directly contracted to WWE. Instead, he will be joining the team as an employee of FOX. However, this does not mean that a WWE return is completely out the window, as CM Punk has certainly softened up on his views toward to the company.

Bryan Alvarez of F4WOnline went into more detail of CM Punk’s pro wrestling future. He stated that he turned down a huge money deal from AEW to take the FOX gig. While a future in a WWE ring is uncertain, Alvarez did explain WWE’s contribution to CM Punk landing the job on WWE Backstage.

“WWE did give the OK to FOX to have CM Punk on the show. So, they were open to that. Nobody knew about it, except Renee Young. Everybody else in studio were as surprised as everybody watching.”

With CM Punk officially returning to the pro wrestling business, it would be interesting to see how soon, if at all, the former World Champion negotiates an in-ring deal with WWE. However, as a FOX employee, covering other sports as a commentator such as hockey could be his motive, with WWE as a bridge to do that.

Please credit any quotes to this article to Chris Featherstone of Wrestling Rumors. Follow Chris Featherstone @chrisprolific and the Pancakes and Powerslams Show @cravewrestling. Subscribe to the Pancakes and Powerslams Show via the Crave Wrestling YouTube page.