Former WWE Superstar CM Punk has not been seen on WWE television since the 2014 edition of the Royal Rumble pay-per-view. He walked out on the company the next day and has not looked back since then. Following his WWE exit, many fans have been wanting to see Punk make his return to the company every year. He has yet to make his return to the squared circle and at this point in time, it seems very unlikely. A WWE Superstar was also previously punished for ripping off CM Punk.
CM Punk has been in talks with AEW for quite a while as indicated by reports and now it seems even WWE is under the impression that Punk has already signed with AEW.
On the other hand, Ric Flair requested his release from WWE last month and since then has teased a return to the squared circle multiple times. He is also likely to go to AEW to be with his future son-in-law Andrade El Idolo.
According to a report by Wrestling Inc, it was reported that Ric Flair had no non-compete clause after he was released by WWE.
Wrestling Inc. first reported that Flair requested, and was granted, his WWE release earlier this month. We have learned that there is not a non-compete agreement between Flair and WWE, so he is free to appear for other promotions immediately.
CM Punk will debut for AEW this weekend, and with Ric Flair’s status, he easily could debut the same week as Flair.