CM Punk Reflects on Initial Call with Nick Khan Ahead of WWE Return

In November 2023, CM Punk made a surprising comeback to WWE during Survivor Series: WarGames. Reports indicated that discussions about his return began just days prior to the event. In a recent interview on the No-Contest Wrestling Podcast, Punk confirmed these reports and provided insights into his first conversation with WWE President Nick Khan.

“Nick Khan calls me in November,” Punk recounted. “He goes, ‘When are you free and clear?’ I said, ‘Nick, I was fired. How do you not know that?’ He paused for a moment and then said, ‘Oh no, I know. But surely there’s not a…’ and he stopped himself. Then he continued, ‘Okay, we want to talk to you about coming back.’ I was on my way to the gym at the time and was flying to Atlantic City the next day for a CFFC show where I do commentary.”

Punk instructed Khan to send him potential times for a follow-up call the following week, and soon after, discussions began to take shape. During their conversation, someone mentioned that Survivor Series was scheduled to take place in Chicago—Punk’s hometown—just three days away. While he initially thought there wouldn’t be enough time to finalize a deal, he quickly recognized that it would be an ideal setting for his return.

Originally, the plan was for Punk to return at the 2024 Royal Rumble, a well-known platform for significant comebacks. However, given the timing and the special significance of Survivor Series being in Chicago, they decided to make the change and solidify his return for the event. Shortly afterward, Punk reportedly signed a three-year contract with WWE.