CM Punk returned to wrestling on the August 20 episode of AEW Rampage with a special episode entitled The First Dance.
The title played off The Last Dance, ESPN's docuseries focusing on Michael Jordan's Chicago Bulls. With Punk being from Chicago and making his return at the United Center, the comparisons were easy to make.
"I'm not going to compare myself to Michael Jordan, but I was on top of the wrestling business and I left. He was on top of basketball and he left. He tried another sport, it didn't go so well. I tried another sport, didn't go so well. Perfect storm, timing is everything, and all the ideas clicked," Punk said on ESPN SportsNation. "I kind of have a sixth sense when it's the right time and thing to do. Everything was just in place. I came back, in the United Center, the house that Jordan built. It was a magical moment. No, I am not Michael Jordan. Am I the Michael Jordan of professional wrestling? Well, that's up for debate. That's what is go great about it, everything is based on your perspective and opinion. We get to have fun that way. I'm a kid from Chicago. Am I supposed to say no to all this First Dance and United Center stuff? Hell no. Put my jersey in the rafters, let's go."
Jordan not only has his jersey in the rafters, he has a statue as well.
Your move, United Center.
Punk will make his in-ring return on Sunday at AEW All Out when he faces Darby Allin. You can view the current lineup for AEW All Out by clicking here.
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