While WWE might not have cared if CM Punk ever signed on again to wrestle or be an on-air talent, FOX was eager to have Punk join the company and so much so, they tried to help WWE get the deal done, according to a recent report.
As per Dave Meltzer, during the latest edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, WWE demonstrated over and over that they had no interest in bringing Punk back, but the second it was revealed Punk was likely to join AEW, FOX wanted WWE to make an offer to get self-proclaimed, Best in the World back. Because WWE supposedly responded that Punk wanted too much money, FOX stepped up and offered to help.
Meltzer notes that FOX was so interested in Punk going to WWE instead of AEW that they offered to help financially get the deal done. Once the money wasn't the issue, “WWE officials then said there were other reasons they didn’t want him, the attitude issues and such.”
This isn't to suggest that Punk coming back to WWE was ever close. In fact, Punk stated after signing with AEW that he felt there was too much baggage between he and WWE to really think anything serious would ever come out of potential contract discussions. An ESPN article noted that Punk wasn't interested in playing games regarding a new deal, but they did. Punk wasn't surprised and figured he knew who was responsible for being a vocal advocate for not bringing him back.
Meanwhile, AEW waited for Punk to be ready to sign. AEW President Tony Khan had always wanted to sign him and by February or March of this year, plans were already in the works creatively.
WWE Missed An Opportunity
Vince McMahon and co. are free to work with and sign whoever they want. That said, AEW has already noted they think Punk has paid for his new contract within a few weeks of being signed and his return has attracted so much business for the company it's a huge financial win. WWE had a window to capitalize on this, but due to pride or other reasons beyond just business, they elected not to go there. In fact, they've potentially threatened a happy relationship with FOX over their unwillingness to consider Punk as an option.
WWE's loss is AEW's gain and the fans seem more than satisfied with the way his return has gone thus far.