Multiple reports have stated that CM Punk and Daniel Bryan are headed to AEW.
If true, this will be a giant game changer for the professional wrestling industry. Both Punk and Bryan were among WWE's most decorated and beloved superstars during the PG and Reality Eras. There's no easy way of emphasizing how much of an impact the two former WWE Champions would bring to AEW.
But fans who are awaiting confirmation of the big news will have to wait. When asked about possibly signing and/or communicating with CM Punk and Bryan during an interview with the New York Post, AEW President and CEO Tony Khan gave a short and simple answer.
"I have no comment on those, but those are good questions but I can’t comment on those."
Khan was then asked what it would mean if a company other than WWE landed Bryan and Punk "at the same time." But once again, he decided not to give away any potential hints.
"I can’t comment on those two guys, but I think there are certainly a lot of exciting rumors right now."
If AEW is truly closing in on deals with Punk and/or Bryan, it obviously makes sense for Khan to not say anything. Just consider that the company didn't spoil the arrivals of marquee additions like Jon Moxley (Double or Nothing 2019) Sting (Winter Is Coming), Malakai Black (Road Rager) or Christian Cage (at Revolution).
Interestingly, it was reported that the pending arrival of CM Punk prompted AEW to change up their plans for Bryan. You can read more about that here.
CM Punk last competed for WWE seven and a half years ago, and he hasn't wrestled since. As for Bryan, his WWE contract expired following an unsuccessful challenge against Roman Reigns for the Universal Championship on the Aug. 30 episode of Friday Night SmackDown.
Likely Only A Matter Of Time
At this point, it looks like AEW is certainly about to bring in both Bryan and Punk. It's anybody's guess when the two men could arrive in AEW, but it feels like they'll come in sooner rather than later. Needless to say, the competition between WWE and AEW is about to get a whole lot more enticing.