Fightful Select has released detailed information on the return of CM Punk to WWE at Saturday night’s Survivor Series at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, IL.
Below are the details from Fightful Select.
-Punk’s return was a closely kept secret from virtually everyone in WWE. On November 19, Punk and Triple H had a what was said to be a productive, one-hour long conversation, which also mended the hurt feelings between the two sides.
-The word from Punk’s side of the conversation is said to have matched what Triple H said during the live WWE post-Survivor Series press conference. The talks between the two sides did not start until after the rumors of a potential Punk return in Chicago had died down.
-WWE confirmed the official agreement for Punk’s return at Survivor Series did not technically happen until Saturday. Sources close to Punk claim as of Saturday morning, no actual contract had been signed.
-Apparently while the news never got out, Punk was reportedly telling friends close to him before the event about his return to WWE.
-Just before Punk’s return, a special section was cleared out backstage at the AllState Arena. However, it was said Punk could still be seen in plain sight before coming out in front of the live crowd. At that point, Triple H reportedly took over producing the event and personally called for the WWE copyright graphic to be shown on TV before Punk came out. He then personally called for Punk’s ring entrance music to be played.
-It is also being said that Triple H, Michael Hayes and Bruce Prichard had a meeting to discuss the change in the booking of the WarGames main event, although it was not said if this was related to Punk’s return.
-What is known is that the talent involved in the Men’s WarGames match were pulled aside ahead of time and were informed of the plans for Punk to come out after the match wrapped up. At least one person was said to be legitimately upset with the news, and that Seth Rollins and Drew McIntyre looked visibly angry. Whether or not their reactions were real, as of this writing, are not still not clear.
-As seen in footage making the rounds online after the show went off the air, Seth Rollins had to be restrained by Michael Cole, Corey Graves, Cody Rhodes and several WWE officials, as he was irate after the match, while Punk’s music was still playing in the venue. Drew McIntyre was also said to be visibly upset backstage and stormed off and left the building in a huff.
-WWE sources have reiterated that any perceived references to Punk’s return leading up to Survivor Series from Shinsuke Nakamura and the commentary team were not done with prior knowledge of Punk’s return coming at Survivor Series.
-One top talent is claiming while they understood the surprise with Punk, they feel like Triple H could lose trust among many individuals that he has spent a lot of time with over the years.
According to PWInsider, WWE sources told them the deal between the two sides is believed to be “several years in length.”