WWE fans may still see CM Punk in action, even though he’s out with a torn triceps. He has been making unexpected visits backstage and at events like tonight’s RAW at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California, even though he did not attend WrestleMania 40.
Going to a game just to see him has always been a surefire method to get people excited and buy more tickets. The purpose of tonight’s RAW was to build up to the upcoming Elimination Chamber, and Best in the World’s surprise entrance only served to heighten viewers’ expectations.
CM Punk appears on WWE RAW off-air
With the assistance of Jimmy Uso, Gunther was able to successfully defend his Intercontinental Championship against Jey Uso at the three-hour Elimination Chamber edition of Monday Night RAW that took place at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California. It is also worth noting that Raquel Rodriguez emerged victorious in a Battle Royal, securing her place in the Elimination Chamber. Additionally, Michael Chandler made an unexpected appearance in order to call out Conor McGregor.
Following the conclusion of the Elimination Chamber homecoming RAW program, Cody Rhodes extended an invitation to CM Punk to speak to the members of the audience. Punk gave them his word that he would return to Anaheim to wrestle once he had overcome his injury. Punk thanked the enthusiastic Anaheim audience despite the injury setback and pledged to be back in full force for the city’s next event.
The Best in the World said, “It is not easy sitting backstage, watching the show, knowing that Anaheim showed up 11,000-strong, and y’all kept it hot all night long. Three hours, countless superstars, awesome matches. I had to come out here and feel this myself, and to let you all know, this is a bump in the road. I promise you that next time we are in Anaheim, I will be here, and I will have my boots on.”
CM Punk injury update
A torn triceps during the Royal Rumble ended CM Punk’s WWE return and put an end to his hopes of competing at WrestleMania 40. Most importantly, Punk is putting his health first rather than rushing back. Due to his condition, he will likely not be able to compete in Elimination Chamber, WrestleMania 40, and SummerSlam until at least October 2024.
Despite this, Punk believes that he will be able to make a return by the time the Survivor Series rolls around this fall. He spoke with Caroline Pearce of TNT Sports about his injuries and his intentions for WrestleMania. In the interview, the former AEW star said:
“We have to change some parts every now and again. So once we fix up all the parts, the engine’s still strong, we’ll still be good to go. We’re thinking maybe six to eight months, but I’m not really in a rush to get back to compete. I’m in a rush to get healthy. I’m in a rush to get better. The sooner I do that, the better I’ll be when I come back.”
Do you miss the “Best in the World” on those WWE PLE events? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
