Backstage WWE and AEW Rumors: Latest on CM Punk, Trish Stratus vs. Becky Lynch, More

CM Punk's disappearance from AEW television was shrouded in controversy, but a new report suggests the former world champion may be ready to come back to the promotion he called "home" in September.

The latest in the Punk saga, including details on what he has told All Elite Wrestling officials, headlines a collection of pro wrestling rumors that also features an update on the Becky Lynch vs. Trish Stratus feud that kicked off Monday on Raw, as well as where Brian Cage will continue his career for the foreseeable future.

CM Punk Tells AEW He Wants to Return

Credit: All Elite Wrestling

CM Punk has the "wrestling bug" and wants to return to AEW, according to Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select.

The two-time AEW world champion has laid out different scenarios for his return, one that includes working with The Elite and another that involves him staying far away from Kenny Omega and The Young Bucks.

Thus far, there has been a seeming hesitancy on the part of the executive vice presidents of the company to partake in option A and, as Sapp reported, the company's pursuit of new deals with the trio makes it unlikely that management will push the issue.

"In addition, we're told Punk has been open to working elsewhere, though we're not sure if that means within the auspices of AEW such as Ring of Honor, or the likes of WWE and NJPW," Sapp added.

The news is somewhat surprising in that history tells us Punk is not necessarily someone who forgets (or easily forgives) those he considers to have wronged him.

How much he holds Tony Khan and AEW itself accountable for what happened last September 4 following the All Out pay-per-view, in which he and friend Ace Steele were involved in a well-documented fight with Omega and the Bucks over comments made by the Chicago native during the post-show media scrum, is unknown, but his reported desire to return to the company suggests his issues do not lie there.

With the announcement that AEW is making its London debut in August at Wembley Stadium, with expectations that it will be the largest audience in company history, it would behoove the promotion to at least consider a Punk comeback.

The big-money match feels like Punk and FTR vs. The Elite in what would be the most intriguing trios bout in modern wrestling history just based on the behind-the-scenes stuff, but a guy like Punk can benefit that All In card at any spot on the lineup.

He has been outspoken about his desire to work with, and help develop, young AEW stars.

Punk told SportsNation (h/t SEScoops) in a December 2021 interview:

"I think I could use my name, whatever value that has, and kind of highlight some of the guys while knocking off some ring rust and moving myself up the ladder. So for storyline purposes, it makes sense to me. And I always remember guys helping me and they were few and far between. I think more people should help more people and I'm just trying to do my best to do that."

There are still a number of young, up-and-coming stars for him to work with that would keep him away from the EVPs and allow him to have a positive influence on the promotion.

Whatever ends up happening remains to be seen, but it is a step in the right direction for both Punk and AEW that the former wants a reunion.

There is an argument to be made that the product was better and more focused when Punk was around. He is a veteran, a smart one at that, and fans still flock to him as his popularity rivaled (and eclipsed) even the most beloved AEW stars during his time there.

As long as there is some sort of harmony behind the scenes, Punk rejoining the company is mutually beneficial and bolsters the roster in time for what Khan hopes is the biggest show in AEW's still short history on August 27.

Trish Stratus vs. Becky Lynch Set for SummerSlam

Credit: WWE.com

Trish Stratus ended her partnership with Becky Lynch Monday night on Raw, blasting her with a Chick Kick and leaving The Man lying following the duo's loss of the WWE Women's Tag Team Championships to Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez.

According to Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Radio, the plan is for the two icons of women's wrestling to battle at SummerSlam.

It may seem a bit early to jump-start that rivalry if the plan is to hold off until the August 5 pay-per-view, but with Stratus not being a full-time performer, it gives Triple H and his creative team time to flesh out a story that makes sense and is befitting the magnitude of the names involved.

Stratus last wrestled a singles bout at SummerSlam in 2019 against Charlotte Flair. One of the best matches on that card, many expected it to be the last of her illustrious career. A recent return to the ring, though, has proved the WWE Hall of Famer can still go, and she has meshed well with the competitors of today.

Lynch is, arguably, the biggest star of this generation, and a match with Stratus should prove to be a marquee bout for the annual summertime spectacular. At the least, it will threaten to steal the show, especially if they can create fan fervor for the generational showdown.

'The Machine' Brian Cage Re-signs with AEW

Credit: All Elite Wrestling

Brian Cage has been a central figure in the storyline merger between Swerve Strickland's Mogul Affiliates and Prince Nana's The Embassy, and he has signed a long-term deal to remain with AEW for the foreseeable future, according to Sapp.

"We're told that several top talent had pushed for Cage to re-sign, but there were also top talent in WWE who were angling for him to end up there," the report stated. "We're told WWE had some interest in Cage, but he ended up liking the offer made by AEW."

It is quite the turnaround for the 39-year-old, who voiced his displeasure with his usage in AEW and suggested it was heat with key figures behind the scenes that kept him off of television.

Cage's return to prominence as a hired gun of sorts for MJF during his program with Bryan Danielson, coupled with a significant role in the rebooted Ring of Honor brand, may have been just what The Machine ordered.

Now back on television as part of Strickland's star vehicle, he figures to find himself battling the likes of Darby Allin and Keith Lee leading into Double or Nothing come May 28.

Not bad for a guy who could not sniff TV time at this point a year ago.

WWE Merchandise Update

Credit: WWE

Sapp also reported that Fanatics had a major presence in Los Angeles for WrestleMania weekend and that the company has been very happy with the WWE partnership to this point.

Furthermore, "Bloodline related Fanatics merch was said to have done incredibly well."

Roman Reigns and The Usos have the most merchandise available on WWE Shop by far and are the top act in WWE, so it is not particularly surprising that their merchandise is said to have sold so well.

Sapp also reported that Cody Rhodes was the biggest individual seller in the week of WrestleMania.

Again, it's no surprise that the top babyface in the company sold extremely well on the same weekend most expected him to win the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship. That he is still presented as the top babyface, even as he prepares to rebound from his 'Mania loss by battling Brock Lesnar in Puerto Rico at Backlash on May 6, should help sustain those numbers.

The sheer volume of merchandise does not hurt, either. Then again, if a given star is selling well, it makes sense to market more of it in an attempt to take advantage of demand.

How WWE gets others, perhaps those outside of the main event, to that level should be the next question it asks itself.