5 Reasons why CM Punk's AEW debut was the greatest pro wrestling return of all time

#4 CM Punk being away from the business for seven years

It's clobberin' time @CMPunk #AEWRampage pic.twitter.com/QMaDo1mAJr

— All Elite Wrestling on TNT (@AEWonTNT) August 21, 2021

CM Punk stepped away from the business after his appearance at the 2014 Royal Rumble Match following creative differences with WWE management. Over the 2766 days that Punk was gone, fans yearned for his return by chanting his name at WWE events and beyond. CM Punk said it best, "Seven years is a long time."

That length of time from pro wrestling always lends itself to making a wrestler's return even better. One of CM Punk's former rivals, The Rock went to Hollywood and had his final WWE match in 2004. Despite brief appearances over the years, his return in 2011 ahead of WrestleMania 27 was a welcomed sight and showed how much the people missed him.

CM Punk is back as the newest member on the AEW roster. https://t.co/iMDyf7iR38

— Twitter Moments (@TwitterMoments) August 21, 2021

Another former CM Punk opponent is Daniel Bryan. Bryan went on to his most tremendous success after Punk left WWE when he won the WWE World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania XXX. However, a series of neck-related and concussion injuries led to him retiring from the business. Three years after his final match, Bryan announced his return to a fantastic reaction.

CM Punk's return to the industry is different from both, but time helps fans miss these all-time greats even more. It has been seven years that led many fans to believe that Punk's return would never happen. Seeing it happen finally after all this time made for a surreal and unforgettable moment that fans will never forget