Despite CM Punk's scheduled appearance at Starrcast III, apparently, the former WWE Champion is further away from returning to wrestling proper than ever.

If history has taught us anything, it's that no bridge is ever burned beyond the point of no return when it comes to WWE. Ultimate Warrior, Bret Hart, and Bruno Sammartino were all viewed as former Superstars who would never work with WWE again once upon a time. Despite all of that bad blood, all three men not only reconnected with Vince McMahon, but have all gone on to become Hall Of Famers.

Despite all of that, as time passes, it seems more and more likely that CM Punk will be the exception to the rule. More than five years after his WWE departure, Punk has still not returned to the ring. However, fans are currently more hopeful than ever. One, because Punk will be appearing at Starrcast III later this month and two, the existence of AEW.

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The news that AEW would be interested in signing Punk has sparked fresh rumors that WWE would take him back. WWE seems deadset on stopping AEW from signing anyone who does or ever has been under its own employ. However, according to Tom Colohue of PWTorch, WWE has "no interest" in signing Punk, and Punk wouldn't want to return even if there was.

As if that wasn't hard enough to hear for Punk fans, Wrestling Observer Newsletter has dealt us another heavy blow. That despite Punk's upcoming Starrcast appearance, he is still trying to distance himself from those he was once close with in wrestling. WWE Superstars have commented on Punk effectively ignoring their messages after he left the company. Plus, he probably isn't too popular with many in the industry due to his ongoing legal battle with Colt Cabana.

Chances are these Punk rumors will never go away, not entirely. He could categorically tell fans that he will never wrestle again, and we would still believe it was some sort of blunt double bluff. Punk had a bigger impact on the industry than many realize, and the hope of many fans is that he can come back and do the same again. WWE definitely needs that sort of injection, and it definitely wouldn't hurt AEW as we grow ever closer to its TV debut.

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