CM Punk returns to pro wrestling at AEW Rampage

Former WWE star and UFC fighter CM Punk made his return to professional wrestling on Friday night's episode of All Elite Wrestling (AEW) Rampage after being away for seven years.

He appeared on AEW television to challenge former TNT champion Darby Allin.

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

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

Punk's much-anticipated return has been teased by AEW for the last several weeks, with this special episode of Rampage being dubbed 'The First Dance' and taking place at the United Center in Punk's hometown of Chicago.

Punk last appeared as a wrestler in WWE in the Royal Rumble in January of 2014. He was reported to have walked out, leading to a messy split with the sports entertainment company that saw him do a tell-all interview on a fellow wrestler's podcast, a WWE doctor filing a defamation lawsuit against Punk, and Punk's retirement from the industry.

After leaving pro wrestling, Punk fought twice in the UFC, losing his debut to Mickey Gall in 2016. His second fight was a unanimous decision loss to Mike Jackson that was later overturned into a No Contest.

In his retirement, he has also made several film and television appearances as well as writing for Marvel Comics, including credits on titles such as Thor Annual and Drax.

AEW is a two-year old wrestling promotion considered the second-largest in the United States and the world behind the WWE. It features several top talents from around the globe, including several stars from New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) who helped start the promotion two years ago, like Kenny Omega, Cody Rhodes, and the Young Bucks.

AEW was founded by CEO Tony Khan, the son of Shahid Khan, who owns the Jacksonville Jaguars in the NFL and English football club Fulham FC.

In the last few months, they have struck partnerships and talent exchanges with other wrestling promotions such as Impact Wrestling, Japan's NJPW,  and Mexico's Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide.

—JMB, GMA News