CM Punk Shocks Fans: Surprise WWE Comeback Rumor Sends Google Trends Soaring

Lead-in CM Punk is back in the headlines after a chaotic weekend that saw Bronson Reed storm WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event in Las Vegas, flatten the “Best in the World,” and align himself with Seth Rollins. The ambush has triggered fresh questions about Punk’s health, his Road to SummerSlam storyline, and why so many companies—TNA included—still want a piece of the Chicago icon. Bronson Reed’s surprise return changes RAW’s main-event picture Reed had been off TV since January nursing a reported knee injury, yet he looked 100 percent when he leveled Punk with a Tsunami splash just seconds after Punk defeated Grayson Waller. Rollins joined the beat-down, capping the segment with a Curb Stomp that left Punk motionless and fans stunned inside T-Mobile Arena. WWE cameras later caught Punk refusing medical attention, insisting he’ll address the attack this Monday on RAW from Chicago—his hometown and the site of the November 2024 Survivor Series comeback that shattered social media records. Why Reid and Rollins targeted Punk • Reed told digital-exclusive interviewer Cathy Kelley that Punk “jumped the line” when he walked back into WWE last year. • Rollins, still fuming over his WrestleMania loss in April, claims Punk “politicked” for the main-event spot he believes belongs to him. • The attack conveniently removes Punk from the Backlash 2025 build, allowing Reed and Rollins to dominate the conversation. Interest from TNA Wrestling underscores Punk’s drawing power Hours before Saturday’s ambush, TNA’s Director of Wrestling Operations Anthony Cicione admitted the promotion “made an aggressive play” for Punk in late 2023, just weeks before his shocking Survivor Series return. TJR Wrestling added that at least one international promoter also placed a multimillion-dollar offer on the table. Key takeaway: Even at 46, Punk remains the needle-mover every rival company covets, and that leverage could influence his creative direction as WWE negotiates new media rights deals. Implications for Backlash 2025 and SummerSlam • Current advertising still lists Punk vs. Waller for Backlash on June 8, but WWE.com has quietly removed the bout from its dedicated event page, fueling speculation of a triple-threat or tag-team twist. • Reed’s return opens a clear path for a Reed-Punk clash at SummerSlam in Cleveland, a matchup that would pit the 330-pound powerhouse against WWE’s most polarizing star. • If Rollins stays in the mix, WWE could revisit the Rollins-Punk program that headlined RAW ratings from December through February. Fan sentiment and social media buzz Within two hours of the attack, #CMPunk, #BronsonReed, and #SaturdayNightsMainEvent were all trending top-five worldwide on X (formerly Twitter). Punk’s Instagram post—“Try harder”—racked up 1.2 million likes in six hours, while Reed’s response (“Tsunami season”) hit 500 k likes, showing fan interest on both sides of the feud. What to watch on Monday Night RAW 1. Does Punk arrive in Chicago taped up, or does WWE keep him off TV to sell the injuries? 2. Will Triple H sanction Reed vs. Punk for Backlash, or announce a multi-man angle that elevates Waller and Rollins? 3. How will the Chicago crowd react if Reed interrupts Punk’s homecoming promo? Bottom line CM Punk’s aura continues to drive ratings, ticket sales, and endless rumor mills. Bronson Reed’s thunderous return has injected new life into WWE’s summer storylines, while fresh revelations about TNA’s aggressive courtship prove Punk’s value extends far beyond Stamford. Expect record viewership for RAW, a reshuffled Backlash card, and—if history repeats itself—another Punk mic drop that keeps the entire wrestling world hanging on every word.