Speaking on Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer was careful to avoid giving his opinion on Punk's reasons for appearing at this week's Raw.
Meltzer did however say that those who know Punk have called his opinion on the matter "spot-on."
It was noted that those within WWE, who were surprised to see Punk at the show, believe this was his way of testing the waters for a return.
"People were very surprised on both ends. Very surprised in WWE. The feeling in WWE was that he was there because he wanted back. Whether that's true or not, I have no idea. I mean, obviously, there were talks of him going back, shortly [after All Out.] In late last year. But he couldn't go because he was still under contract. My impression is this is with Paul Levesque in charge and not Vince, my impression was that they didn't have any interest in him at that time."
Punk spoke to Paul 'Triple H' Levesque, WWE's Head of Talent Relations, during his brief stint at this week's Raw.
CM Punk's Publicity Stunt?
A popular theory going around is that Punk's appearance at Raw wasn't to facilitate a WWE return but to garner interest in his AEW return.
Punk is rumored to be returning to the promotion later this year, and is expected to appear on the premiere of AEW's weekly Saturday wrestling show.
Addressing the possibility that Punk was merely drawing up interest in himself ahead of his AEW return, Meltzer said:
"I mean, was it a publicity stunt for him to get publicity [for his rumored AEW return?] Was it? I don't know, you'd have to ask him what his reasons were. Obviously, the announcement of him coming back to AEW, in theory, was going to be anytime now. You know, the announcement of the new TV show would be anytime now. So I'm sure it all ties together in some way and he'll have to figure out [what's next.] If he wants to say what his motives were, what his reasons were, you know, he can say it. But obviously all those things, the timing of everything, is suspicious."
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