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The Undisputed WWE Universal Champion, Roman Reigns, finally returned on the 'season premiere' episode of SmackDown last night.
The Head of the Table ignited a buzzworthy feud with LA Knight on the road to Crown Jewel 2023.
In addition, the Tribal Chief subtly teased the arrival of CM Punk, at least in the eyes of some fans. During his promo segment with John Cena, Roman Reigns called the Cenation Leader "John Boy," an appellation once used by the Straight Edge Superstar back in the day.
It's possible that it could just be a coincidence, but the timing of this reference is interesting, given the wild speculation of CM Punk's WWE return. The Straight Edge Superstar has been heavily linked with a move to the Stamford-based promotion since his AEW firing.
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Though recent rumors have quashed any such possibility, the so-called "CM Punk references" every week have only helped fuel rumors of his comeback. Most importantly, the upcoming Survivor Series premium live event is taking place in his hometown of Chicago this year.
It wouldn't be far-fetched to say the Second City Saint could be on his way back to where he rightfully belongs.
Check out some of the reactions below:
Roman Reigns poked fun at CM Punk's pro wrestling comeback
CM Punk's comeback to wrestling in 2021 will go down as one of the most shocking returns in sports entertainment history.
However, Roman Reigns downplayed the Best in the World's AEW debut.
In an exclusive chat with the Complex a few years ago, the Tribal Chief bluntly stated that Punk has grown older and wouldn't elevate him at all if he were to come back to the global juggernaut:
"If our audience wanted to see it [CM Punk returning to WWE] and they were clamoring for it, couldn’t shut up about it, and all the stars aligned, as a businessman and as a performer who was trying to seek out the very best for the audience and try to captivate, I wouldn’t say no. But I mean, on a personal level, it doesn’t do anything for me. That’s not going to elevate me at all. He’s older now. I haven’t really seen a full match. I’ve seen a clip or two. And to me, a step or two has been lost."
A potential feud between the two men has been brewing ever since Roman Reigns took a jibe at CM Punk. Will the Straight Edge Superstar return to confront The Bloodline leader at Survivor Series 2023? Only time will tell.
Do you want to see CM Punk return to WWE? Sound off in the comments section below.
