CM Punk shocked many wrestling fans when he revealed that he suffered an injury a few days after winning the AEW World Championship. Because of his injury, he was forced out of action for the foreseeable future. Fans were hoping that the Straight-Edge Star would return at the soonest possible time.

As it turns out, though, it may be a bit of time before we see Punk back again in the AEW. CEO Tony Khan did an interview for the New York Post about all things AEW. In the article, he revealed that CM Punk was actually considered to be a replacement for the injured Bryan Danielson at Forbidden Door. Unfortunately, though, Punk's own injury wasn't looking too hot.

“I knew [CM] Punk was gonna need some time. His X-ray came back Friday and it wasn’t good. That’s when I had to jump into a plan with Mox [Jon Moxley] and the interim title and make a lot of changes to Forbidden Door.”

Article Continues Below
More AEW News
Mariah May with the NXT logo on her left and a crossed-out AEW logo on her right
Mariah May breaks silence on leaving AEW for WWEMatty Breisch ·
While in the ring Mick Foley answered questions from fans and told stories about his career.
Mick Foley reveals proposed program with AEW starMatty Breisch ·
Professional wrestling commentator Jim Ross looks on before the 2019 Peach Bowl college football playoff semifinal game between the LSU Tigers and the Oklahoma Sooners at Mercedes Benz Stadium.
AEW’s Jim Ross sends strong message before cancer surgeryMatty Breisch ·
Director of Football Strategy Tony Khan for the Jacksonville Jaguars answered questions during the press conference where they announced James Gladstone as the general manager Monday morning February 24, 2025 at the Miller Electric Center in Jacksonville, Fla.
Tony Khan reveals how Vince McMahon’s XFL influenced AEWMatty Breisch ·
WWE star Becky Lynch, who roasted Bayley and former star Sasha Banks, aka Mercedes Moné in AEW, at WrestleMania 39.
WWE’s Becky Lynch roasts former star’s business ventureAndrew Korpan ·
CM Punk reacts during the Men s Royal Rumble match at Tropicana Field.
CM Punk reveals why he chose AEW over WWE in 2021Matty Breisch ·

The “plan” that Khan is referring to is his decision to not strip CM Punk of his title. Rather, the promotion held a tournament to see who will hold the interim World Championship belt. Eventually, Jon Moxley won the tournament, carrying the title up until the time of writing this article.

It's not quite clear yet when Punk will be returning to AEW programming. One thing's for sure though: once he returns, we will most likely get a major feud between the interim champ at that time and Punk. Whether it's Moxley, Claudio Castagnoli, or another AEW star, that matchup will likely be a can't-miss bout.