CM Punk has made a stunning comeback to WWE, ending nearly a decade away from the ring. The electrifying moment took place at the Survivor Series event in the United States on Saturday night, igniting a thunderous reaction from fans as soon as his iconic theme music hit the airwaves.

The 45-year-old wrestling star originally departed from WWE in 2014, citing frustrations with creative storylines and a perceived lack of adequate medical care. Speculation about his return intensified after he recently parted ways with the rival wrestling company, All Elite Wrestling (AEW).

WWE’s Chief Content Officer, Triple H, revealed in a post-show press conference that CM Punk’s return in his hometown of Chicago was a last-minute development. He described it as a “lightning in a bottle” moment that came together rapidly, expressing immense excitement about the unexpected turn of events.

“This didn’t start to come to fruition until everybody stopped thinking it was going to happen, and then all of a sudden it was happening,” Triple H remarked.

Addressing CM Punk’s previous assertions that he wouldn’t return to WWE, Triple H emphasized personal growth and change over the years. “If you are the same person you were 10 years ago 10 years later, you’ve messed up. Everybody grows, everybody changes. And I’m a different person, he’s a different person, this is a different company, and we’re all on the same even starting ground,” he stated.

Following his departure from WWE in 2014, CM Punk, whose real name is Phil Brooks, ventured into mixed martial arts with UFC. He later joined AEW in 2021 but parted ways earlier this year after the All Out pay-per-view event at Wembley Stadium.

During his surprise return at WWE, CM Punk did not engage in a wrestling match nor enter the ring, but his presence alone was enough to send fans into a frenzy. Social media exploded with reactions, with some describing it as the “biggest pop in the history of wrestling.”

Randy Orton, who also made a return at Survivor Series after more than a year out with injury, shared a moment in the ring with CM Punk, exchanging smiles while Punk stood at the top of the ramp. WWE star Cody Rhodes expressed enthusiasm about Punk’s return, stating, “If he can help with where we’re going and what we’re doing, absolutely welcome aboard. I have a feeling the CM Punk we’re getting is hungry, and that’s the best.”