Report: WWE Stars Don't Want To Work With CM Punk

CM Punk's WWE return has been met with a "much more tepid than originally expected" backstage reaction, reports Fightful Select, though as has been the case in AEW, several WWE wrestlers have indicated that they don't want to work with him - and would consider departing the market-leading promotion.

The outlet had not heard of any release requests relating to Punk's return (again, this was also the case with AEW). Nonetheless, the overall reaction hasn't been as wild as expected.

Per Fightful, some WWE talents want to speak to company executives regarding Punk, seeking assurances on the 45-year-old and "how he will be in the company going forward."

Punk's WWE return was kept a closely guarded secret, which preserved it as a legitimate surprise at Survivor Series 2023, when he appeared for the promotion for the first time since his 2014 sacking. Fightful notes that as far as the story getting out goes, Punk had told or hinted to close friends that the comeback was happening.

Last night's Raw hosted Punk's first WWE promo since returning, with the segment taking place in the show's final few minutes.