HeelByNature.com is reader-supported. When you click on links or make purchases through our site, we or our affiliated partners may earn a commission. Additionally, our site features Sponsored Content, which helps us maintain and operate the website.
CM Punk has returned to WWE programming following a 5-year hiatus.
Punk made a surprise appearance on WWE Backstage last night on FOX during the closing segment of the episode.
According to PWInsider, Punk has indeed signed a deal with FOX for a position on the WWE Backstage show, in a deal that was inked over the last few days. Punk has not signed anything with WWE, this deal is directly with FOX.
Punk’s appearance on last night’s episode was kept a secret as FOX did not want it to leak. The only people on camera who were aware of his return was Renee Young.
WWE did provide their personal blessing to have Punk return to WWE programming, but the decision to hire him was 100% a call from FOX.
WWE posted the following announcement.
CM Punk appears on WWE Backstage on FS1, reveals he’ll be back next week
After a nearly six-year absence from WWE TV, CM Punk made a shocking, unannounced appearance on Tuesday night’s episode of WWE Backstage, FS1’s new weekly studio show.
The two-time WWE Champion arrived during the show’s final moments, entering to the sounds of Living Colour’s “Cult of Personality,” Punk’s entrance music during his storied in-ring career.
“It’s as simple as this: Just when they think they’ve got the answers, I change the culture,” Punk told the camera, before adding, “I’ll see you here next week.”
Within minutes, the WWE on FOX Twitter account confirmed that Punk will make periodic appearances on WWE Backstage beginning next Tuesday.
Punk left an unforgettable legacy during his WWE career, including holding the WWE Championship for a remarkable 434 days. Since parting ways with WWE, Punk has gone on to author comic books for Marvel, compete in UFC and, more recently, star in the horror film “Girl on the Third Floor,” released in theaters last month.
Don’t miss Punk’s headline-making return to WWE Backstage next Tuesday at 11 p.m. ET on FS