WWE commemorates CM Punk's return with behind-the-scenes video: 'Happy you're here'

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WWE star CM Punk made his return to the company one year ago Monday and the company put together a video showing the behind-the-scenes reactions and interactions with him.

It had been a decade since Punk left WWE, walking out of the company after disagreements with then-CEO Vince McMahon and chief content officer Paul "Triple H" Levesque.

Punk did his own thing for quite a while. He gave MMA a try – in the cage and in the broadcast booth. He returned to pro wrestling in 2021 with All Elite Wrestling (AEW) and had two tumultuous years there. He departed AEW in September 2023.

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CM Punk reacts during the Men’s Royal Rumble match at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida, on Jan. 27, 2024. (Joe Camporeale-USA Today Sports)

Two months later, he showed up following the end of Survivor Series: War Games in Chicago – his hometown. It was one of the most shocking surprises in recent memory. Rumors ran rampant in the days and weeks leading into the premium live event, but each thought was met with skepticism. Until, as Levesque put it at the time, hell froze over.

The WWE video showed Punk entering the Gorilla Position backstage with executive Bruce Prichard. He greeted Stephanie McMahon and others before he received his cue to go out to the thunderous applause.

Fellow WWE stars watched the moment backstage. Wrestlers Bayley and Shotzi were among those surprised.

"What a way to do it," Shotzi said.

Bayley ran to Gorilla Position to greet her longtime friend when he returned from the stage.

"I’m so happy you’re here," she said.

Punk greeted nearly everyone who walked out from the men’s