CM Punk Could Have An Open Door With NJPW

CM Punk’s name is still churning in the rumor mill, although a WWE return has not been reported in any way. There is still interest from Impact Wrestling and the NWA about having him come in, but NJPW is also an option.

Earlier this year, CM Punk’s tenure with All Elite Wrestling came to an end after a backstage incident involving Jack Perry at AEW All In. This incident marked the culmination of months of backstage tensions involving Punk, Perry, The Elite, and other locker room members. Following his departure, speculation arose regarding Punk’s future in professional wrestling, with many fans anticipating a potential WWE comeback. However, it appears that a return to WWE is not currently on the horizon. Nevertheless, opportunities outside WWE remain available for the accomplished multi-time World Champion.

In a recent interview with Fightful, Rocky Romero, who wields significant influence backstage at both NJPW and AEW, was questioned about the possibility of big names appearing in New Japan Pro-Wrestling in the near future.

“You never know. I think that, obviously, we didn’t really get to do many crossovers when Punk was with AEW. There was supposed to be that Tanahashi-Punk match that never happened. So, I think Punk coming and doing a Wrestle Kingdom or a big show like that could be great for our product. Obviously, getting fresh eyes and everything that he brings to it. Merchandise and everything else. So, I wouldn’t be opposed to it at all.”

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As Rocky Romero pointed out, NJPW and AEW maintain an ongoing working relationship that involves co-promoting events such as Forbidden Door, featuring dream matches like Kazuchika Okada versus Bryan Danielson. Okada recently made an appearance in AEW for a tag team match against Danielson and Claudio Castagnoli, while Danielson is set to travel to Japan in January to continue his feud with Okada at NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 18.

Given CM Punk’s somewhat contentious departure from AEW, Romero was asked about Tony Khan’s perspective on NJPW collaborating with the Second City Savior.

“I know Tony pretty well. I feel like I would probably give him the heads-up like, ‘Hey, this is what’s going on.’ But I don’t think he would have much to say about it. I mean, obviously, it’s another company. He doesn’t own New Japan, and obviously, even though we have a great partnership, I think it’s fine. I think he’d be cool. I think he’d be cool with it. I think AEW would be cool with it. You know? I don’t think so. I think it’d be cool.”

We will have to see if CM Punk ever ends up in NJPW. He could have a few big matches there, and that backstage heat will not travel with him to Japan. Only time will tell what the future brings, but it doesn’t appear that Rocky Romero is pretty confident that AEW wouldn’t be upset about them bringing CM Punk in for some matches.

CM Punk had a few good matches in AEW, and he could have more left in the tank, only he may wrestle in NJPW next. Odds are, any NJPW participation won’t see him take part in a Forbidden Door event with AEW, but crazier things have happened in AEW.

What’s your take on CM Punk wrestling in NJPW? Let us know what you think in the comments section!