It was recently revealed that Stephanie McMahon would be returning to the spotlight via a new podcast as well as an upcoming ESPN+ interview show called “Stephanie’s Places.” Therefore, when WWE issued a press release officially announcing the series launch later this month and guests who’d already appeared in the trailer, few were surprised. However, the press release pretends CM Punk’s AEW run didn’t happen, saying he returned to WWE “after almost a decade away from the ring.”
It is unclear why WWE wouldn’t want to acknowledge that Punk had worked for their rival, although given the merger with UFC, it’s possible that the person typing up the document isn’t a wrestling fan and was simply unaware Punk had worked for AEW between 2021 and 2023. Still, Punk’s memorable but ultimately disappointing AEW run is a notable chapter of his career and shouldn’t be overlooked, considering it brought him back to pro wrestling after seven years away.
