WWE Desperately Books Logan Paul in Response to AEW’s CM Punk Bombshell
It looks like a bunch of WWE superstars just reacted to the news of CM Punk's return to the ring. But this time, he's in the AEW. People are stunned.
The AEW has been making some major moves ever since the organization debuted in January of 2019. Since then, the league's been racking up viewer ratings and exciting signings. While some pro wrestling fans have criticized AEW for basically "sniping" former WWE talent, it's certainly helped Tony Khan's organization to grow larger than any other wrasslin' brand in recent years.
CM Punk's return to action prompted a bunch of reactions from WWE superstars.
Well, the WWE superstars in question didn't outright react to CM Punk's return.
If you weren't following the WWE during CM Punk's tenure in the organization and all of its affiliated leagues from 2005 to 2014, then it's a bit difficult to grasp the huge impact he had both inside and outside of the ring. Punk certainly wasn't the most athletic wrestler in the business, nor did he possess a particularly impressive or intimidating physique.
But there really hasn't been someone in recent years who could captivate audiences on the "stick" as well as Punk could. The Chicago native retired from professional wrestling at the height of his career to go and fight in the UFC, which didn't work out too well.
However, that didn't seem to dim his star all that much: Punk's return to the ring in AEW would become a top-trending YouTube video and Twitter topic.
Just look at the insane reaction from the Chicago crowd below; the city has always been a longtime supporter of the wrestler, so AEW knew exactly what they were doing with the "surprise" announcement.
Even top active WWE superstars indirectly shared their thoughts about Punk's return, despite the fact that he works for what is essentially a rival organization.
There were also legends in the game like Mick Foley who have had nothing but praise for the talent.
Pro Wrestling is wild. I love it.
— Eventual Lee (@RealKeithLee) August 21, 2021
Seems like a good time to double down on my opinion that @CMPunk is damn good and damn over.
— Mick Foley (@RealMickFoley) August 21, 2021
There were so many reactions to Punk's return and for the most part, they were overwhelmingly positive. People love the infectious energy of Punk upon his return to the ring with AEW. But there's also the added element of a new and exciting league becoming a huge player in the sports entertainment space that just cannot be ignored.
I have been asked many times: Hey Schiavone, what is the greatest night in the history of our great sport? My answer: This! #CMPunk #AEW
— Tony Schiavone (@tonyschiavone24) August 21, 2021
I’m really happy for today.
— Mercedes Varnado (@SashaBanksWWE) August 20, 2021
The WWE, seemingly in response to CM Punk's signing, announced a 'RAW' appearance by Logan Paul.
Punk's arrival to the AEW has apparently trumped the WWE's SummerSlam pay-per-view, which included appearances by John Cena and Brock Lesnar.
Vince McMahon and co. announced that Logan Paul would be making an appearance on Monday Night RAW following SummerSlam, and the move is getting maligned by folks on social media.
MONDAY on #WWERaw! 💦@TheRealMorrison @LoganPaul @mikethemiz
— WWE (@WWE) August 21, 2021
AEW: CM Punk debuts
WWE: Logan Paul Returns
😂😂
— 𝙒𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙡𝙚𝙡𝙖𝙢𝙞𝙖 (@wrestlelamia) August 21, 2021
This isn't Logan's first time on WWE programming, but many are commenting that it was ultimately a weak decision from the WWE considering the massive fan response AEW received for bringing CM Punk on.
WWE management; "Logan Paul is back!"
— Thunder (@Thunder_THR) August 21, 2021
Everyone, coming off of CM Punk's long awaited return;