CM Punk’s return to WWE not only was a big-time moment for pro wrestling fans, but the business side of things too.
Since he ended his near 10-year hiatus from WWE, Punk has been a presence on every WWE program since with the exception of the December 4 Raw. He likely won’t be missing many more Monday nights as he officially signed on with the red brand to be a member of their roster.
During his promo on Raw, Punk cited the serendipity of being in Cleveland, OH, the very city where he left WWE back in 2014 at the Royal Rumble. However, CM Punk signing on with Raw has likely a little more business behind it than just coincidence.
“Things Are Changing Greatly”
Back in September, WWE and NBC Universal announced a 5-year media rights partnership that will bring SmackDown back to the USA Network in October 2024. WWE is currently shopping around the rights to carry WWE Raw and they’re expected to land another blockbuster deal.
We saw All Elite Wrestling launch an entire series around Punk back in June, AEW Collision. A lot has transpired since then, but Punk is once again a driving force in his home promotion scoring big money TV deals.
On Tuesday, Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer noted on social media that “things are changing greatly” with WWE’s media rights negotiations. Punk is proving once again that he can drive business like very few can.
“Things are changing greatly. Let’s just say things changed greatly with Raw negotiations from a few weeks ago. And Punk is a huge part of the selling point.”
Things are changing greatly. Let's just say things changed greatly with Raw negotiations from a few weeks ago. And Punk is a huge part of the selling point.
— Dave Meltzer (@davemeltzerWON) December 12, 2023
Punk has undoubtedly brought in the eyes and the bucks for WWE since his surprise comeback. After Survivor Series Punk’s first appearance back on Raw boosted viewership by nearly 30%. Additionally, the post on X announcing his return broke a social media record for WWE and perhaps most notably Punk has became an immediate merchandise mover.
The very night of Survivor Series, CM Punk’s new WWE merchandise sales found itself up into the six-figure tier.
CM Punk’s WWE return match has been announced. The Straight Edge Superstar will face Dominik Mystery on the upcoming holiday live events tour.