CM Punk is back in WWE, what we know (Patreon)

CM Punk has returned to WWE, to the shock of many even in the company.

CM Punk returned at Survivor Series, at the end of the show in a closely guarded, and quickly put together secret. Fightful was told on November 19 that CM Punk and Triple H had a very productive, hour-long conversation that mended fences between the two. Word from Punk's side of that conversation reflected that of what Triple H said at the post-show press conference. Fightful had posted in our Punk FAQ that Punk had claimed there were some conversations. To clarify, at the time, the Punk/Triple H conversation was single sourced, and not appropriate to run. We did note to WWE reps the information we'd heard in an effort to confirm it.

Triple H confirmed Fightful's previous reports that talks had not happened between the two sides until rumors heavily died down, and it actually didn't look like a deal was happening. At the post-show presser, Triple H said that any reports of a deal prior were purely speculation, and that it came together very quickly. WWE confirmed the official agreement happened today, and sources near Punk claimed that as of Saturday morning. no contract was signed.

Punk had told select people close to him that the return was happening.

Minutes before Punk appeared, a section of backstage was cleared out, but Punk was seen in plain sight. We're told that Triple H took over producing the show himself at that point, called for the copyright graphic, and then also personally called for CM Punk's music to hit, per Cory Brennan of Fightful

Producers, referees, staff, talent, and even head writers on the creative team were not told. Fightful's Cory Brennan had heard word that Triple H, Bruce Prichard and Michael Hayes needed to discuss a change to the main event, but we weren't told specifically if that was Punk related.

As it pertains to the main event talent being upset, there are numerous talent on the roster in general upset, just as there are some excited, curious and about every emotion. Talent were pulled aside before the WarGames match and told that CM Punk would be returning at the conclusion of the show. At least one talent claimed legitimately to be upset by the return of Punk, and both Drew McIntyre and Seth Rollins looked visibly angry.

We haven't confirmed whether or not those were actual reactions, but they were at least claimed to be, for obvious reasons.  Seth Rollins had to be restrained by Michael Cole, Corey Graves and others. Backstage, Seth Rollins was in gorilla and had to be ushered away by Triple H and Michael Cole, as he was looking for CM Punk. We're told that Punk looked confused and it was an awkward scene.

Drew McIntyre was said to have been visibly upset backstage, leaving the venue, slamming the locker room door and cursing as he left. When people close to McIntyre checked on him, he confirmed it was connected to the CM Punk return, and that it wasn't part of a work, and that he was selling to the back to maintain some professionalism.

Due to the nature of the situation and pro wrestling, obviously we're cognizant of the possibility of both of these being a work.

WWE reiterated that any perceived references from the likes of Shinsuke Nakamura, or on commentary were not with the knowledge this deal was in place. "Whether it be Nakamura, USA Network twitter account, or anyone that said he was coming back prior to last week, none of them knew because Punk didn't know," said one source close to Punk. "He even said himself that nobody claiming that they knew the situation fully really did." 

There was one top talent that told Fightful that they understood the surprise aspect of the situation, but felt like Triple H could lose some trust among many people that he worked to build it with. 

The reactions weren't all negative, we're told that the reactions of some were filmed for possible digital content, and there were at least a couple of CM Punk's old friends that greeted him upon returning backstage.

CM Punk is expected on WWE Raw Monday.