Double or Nothing is considered by many to be AEW’s most important show of the year. After all, it was the promotion’s first event back in 2019. This year’s edition is headlined by MJF, Darby Allin, Sammy Guevara, and “Jungle Boy” Jack Perry in a Four Pillars four-way match for the AEW World Championship. But for many AEW fans, there is one key question on their minds. Will CM Punk return at AEW Double or Nothing 2023?
After all, CM Punk has been the talk of wrestling since All Out 2022. During the post-event media scrum, Punk went on a tirade against former friend Colt Cabana, The Elite (Kenny Omega, The Young Bucks, and “Hangman” Adam Page), and the wrestling media.
This culminated in a backstage fight between CM Punk, Ace Steel, Kenny Omega, and The Young Bucks. The brawl led to the suspension of all the individuals involved while an investigation was carried out. Ace Steel was ultimately released from AEW and reports indicated the company was working to buy out the rest of Punk’s contract.
However, despite months of credible rumours suggesting CM Punk would leave AEW, it seems that is no longer the case. CM Punk is now slated to be the star of the promotion’s new Saturday night show, AEW Collision.
AEW Collision is set to debut on 17th June 2023 at the United Center in Chicago. After an issue last week that risked derailing Punk’s comeback, Dave Meltzer reported in the 29th May 2023 edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that “Everything seems to have been worked out regarding C.M. Punk returning to AEW”.
But what does this mean for Double or Nothing? Will CM Punk return during the show?
Will CM Punk return at AEW Double or Nothing 2023?
An appearance by CM Punk has not been announced for AEW Double or Nothing 2023. Likewise, there are no reports suggesting CM Punk will return during the show.
Currently, CM Punk is scheduled to return on the debut episode of AEW Collision on 17th June. It is unlikely he will appear on any AEW events before then as his return is the focal point of the first Collision show.
Collision will be AEW’s third weekly television show, joining Dynamite and Rampage. The two-hour show will air live on Saturdays at 8pm on TNT.
Rumours of an AEW brand split have persisted since reports of Collision first surfaced. However, nothing has been confirmed regarding this and it remains to be seen which wrestlers will appear on which show.
Of course, there is always a chance CM Punk may appear during Double or Nothing to promote the first episode of Collision. Although any rumours suggesting this is the case should be taken with a pinch of salt.
Are you excited for AEW Double or Nothing 2023? Let us know in the comment section below and don’t forget to check out our other Film & TV articles…
