CM Punk makes stunning return to WWE at Survivor Series, he got one of the loudest pops of all time

CM Punk made a sensational return to WWE during Survivor Series - sending the live crowd and social media into a frenzy.

The former WWE Champion left the company in acrimonious circumstances in 2014, and stayed out of wrestling entirely until he signed for AEW in 2021.

The 45-year-old was fired by AEW earlier this year shortly after a reported physical altercation with another wrestler, sparking hope amongst WWE fans that a fairytale return could be on the cards.

And with Survivor Series taking place in Chicago - Punk's home city - anticipation reached a fever pitch, despite no indication from any WWE sources that he would be present.

After the main event, however, which also saw the return of Randy Orton after 18 months out injured, Punk's 'Cult of Personality' theme played at full blast.

The crowd reaction was almost deafening as the home hero emerged from backstage and into the main arena.

You can see the clip of Punk's return below.

NEVER. SAY. NEVER.@CMPunk has just returned to WWE at #SurvivorSeries!!! pic.twitter.com/0dpG6vyT5r

— WWE (@WWE) November 26, 2023

Taking to social media, fans all had the same reaction.

One wrote: "Best night of my life... I love you HHH."

Another said: "Randy and CM Punk back I feel like a kid again."

A third added: "Back where he belongs in the big leagues."

And a fourth summed up: "You bring back CM Punk and no-one - in 2023 - has a flubbing clue. That's impressive stuff. What an incredible moment."

According to Fightful's Sean Ross Sapp, WWE's chief content officer Triple H was the one that convinced Punk to rejoin the company, and he told no-one within WWE that the return was happening.

There has been much reporting over the years about why the Chicago native decided to leave WWE in 2014, having walked out of the company following that year's Royal Rumble.

In an interview with Art of Wrestling in 2014, he explained it as follows: "I was sick and hurt, and sick and tired, and burnt out, and I walked."