-- CM Punk remains away from AEW while recovering from a triceps injury but also due to uncertainty around his future with AEW. After previous reports suggested that Punk and AEW were in negotiations on a release, the tide has turned in recent weeks with fresh rumors indicating that the two sides have had discussions about a potential return this year.
-- Fightfulselect.com is now reporting that not only have Punk and AEW discussed a return, but Punk himself not only wants to return to wrestling but he has "communicated repeatedly" to AEW that he wants to come back to the promotion. Punk has gone so far as to even propose scenarios for his return with one being a willingness to work with Kenny Omega and The Young Bucks, with whom he got into a backstage scuffle last year that put his future in jeopardy. However, it doesn't appear as if Omega or The Bucks are jumping at the opportunity to work with Punk, but the trio have been working towards new deals with AEW so it's possible their perspective has changed.
-- In his efforts to facilitate a return, Puunk has also suggested a scenario where would completely avoid The Elite and keep himself separate from them. One rumor amongst talent was that reports of a new Saturday AEW show could be used to keep the two sides away from each other with the assumption that Punk would be shifted to that program, however, AEW sources have not confirmed that in any way. Finally, Punk is said to simply want to return to wrestling that he's also open to working elsewhere, though it's unclear if that means remaining with AEW and working with Ring of Honor or moving onto a promotion like NJPW or WWE.
