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Report on the behind-the-scenes reaction to Punk’s return to WWE
After nearly a decade, CM Punk made a shocking return to WWE on Saturday night at Survivor Series in his hometown of Chicago.
While Punk was able to join AEW after being released from AEW in September following various controversies, setting the stage for one of the greatest comebacks of all time, it remains to be seen whether Punk will remain loyal throughout his time in WWE. A question arose.
according to fight full select (h/t felix upton According to a Ringside News article, “a number” of WWE Superstars plan to speak with higher-ups to “gain some confidence” about Punk and how he will fit in going forward.
Fightful added that some WWE officials had previously said they didn’t want to work with Punk and would consider leaving if he returned, but there are no reports of him requesting his release.
wade keller PW torch (h/t upton) also reported on Punk’s return to WWE, noting that Punk was “very kind” and “humble” backstage on Monday Night Raw.
Additionally, Keller reported that Punk was “in a good mood” and tried to interact positively with everyone backstage.
Punk, who made a surprise return at the end of Survivor Series, closed out Raw on Monday with a promo in which he declared that he felt like he was “home.”
Punk ended the promo by saying, “I’m not here to make friends. I’m here to make money,” but the question remains whether he’ll step up to the top.
Cargill reportedly trains regularly at the Performance Center
Jade Cargill hasn’t appeared on WWE programming lately after making several appearances shortly after signing with WWE, and there’s reportedly a good reason for that.
According to PWInsider.com (h/t H. Jenkins According to Ringside News, Cargill has been training weekly at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida, and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future.
PWInsider.com (h/t Subhojeet Mukherjee According to Ringside News), Cargill typically trains at PC once or twice a week, and there is no clear timeline for when she will start working on WWE programming full-time. added.
Cargill signed with WWE in September after three years in AEW and made his on-screen debut on Fastlane, before appearing on Raw, SmackDown, and NXT.
WWE has teased a future rivalry with Becky Lynch and Charlotte Flair, but there is no word yet on which brand Cargill will be on or when she will have her first match.
WWE creative chief Triple H during the Survivor Series post-show press conference told reporters He wants Jade to be well prepared before returning to TV, saying:
“I believe in her now just as much as I did back then (when she signed with WWE). Interestingly, when she joined, we talked about her development and where she would land. But where has the growth been, I want to make sure that’s not the case.No matter what is thrown at Jade Cargill, she is ready and through no fault of her own, I think she was limited in that respect.” [whenshesignedwithWWEIt’sinterestingwhenshecameinwetalkedaboutherdevelopmentandwhereshewouldlandButwherethedevelopmentwasIwannamakesurethatnomatterwhatisthrownatJadeCargillshe’sreadyandatnofaultofherownIthinkthatshewaslimitedinthat”
This could be interpreted as a shade being thrown in AEW’s direction, as her growth in pro wrestling started there, but it’s more like they just want Cargill to get used to WWE, which is very different from other pro wrestling promotions. That may be the case.
WWE has enough star power in the women’s division that they don’t need to rush Cargill, and they can afford to have all the right talent.
January’s Royal Rumble seems like a logical time for Cargill to make her in-ring debut, and it would feel even more special if she wins the Rumble in her debut.
Stephanie McMahon reportedly to attend Survivor Series visit
Stephanie McMahon has spent much of her life around WWE, but when it was reported that she attended Survivor Series, intrigue sparked among fans.
according to fight full select (h/t jenkins), McMahon was simply visiting the show and having fun, and she was not there in any kind of official or work-related capacity.
Of course, Stephanie is the daughter of longtime WWE head Vince McMahon and the wife of WWE’s creative head Triple H, so even though she’s not currently employed by WWE, she has a strong relationship with the company. The connection is deep.
Stephanie previously held senior positions at WWE, including Vice President of Creative and Chief Brand Officer.
In 2022, Stefani was named chairman and co-CEO of Vince McMahon, who abruptly resigned amid an investigation into allegations he paid millions of dollars to women to keep quiet about their sexual relationships. .
When Vince returned to the company in January 2023, Stephanie stepped down from her role and she has not been officially affiliated with the company since.
Upon his return, Vince facilitated the sale of WWE to Endeavor Group Holdings, which subsequently merged with the UFC to form TKO Group Holdings.
While Vince holds the top spot within TKO, Dave Meltzer Wrestling Observer Newsletter (h/t F4W Online joseph currier) first reported in October that Triple H was making “all the important decisions” within WWE, with Vince being largely phased out in terms of decision-making.
All of this could mean the door is open for Stephanie to have a formal role in WWE again, but when it comes to Survivor Series, it would indicate that her presence has nothing to do with the business. All the signs are there.
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