CM Punk’s WWE Survivor Series Comeback Criticized for Stealing Randy Orton’s Spotlight

CM Punks made his big return at Survivor Series 2023, and that was something many fans didn’t think would ever happen. There were far more reports about how there were no talks between WWE and CM Punk than there were saying that there was a chance.

Triple H admitted after Survivor Series that CM Punk’s return to WWE went down far after everyone else thought it wouldn’t happen. Those talks, that started in the 11th hour, actually saw CM Punk sign a deal with WWE on the day of Survivor Series.

CM Punk’s return to WWE was a huge surprise. That being said, Randy Orton’s comeback was already announced. He made his return as part of the Men’s WarGames match, ending an 18-month absence from the ring. Although fans were thrilled to see Randy Orton do his thing, they were also incredible excited to see CM Punk return to WWE in Chicago.

Heath Slater recently broke down CM Punk’s return to WWE while speaking with Rewind, Recap, Relive. He admitted how cool of a moment it was for CM Punk to return to WWE after so many years away from the company. It still stole the spotlight from everyone in the WarGames match, including Randy Orton.

“I mean, it’s a thing in the wrestling world with the fans and the popularity of it. I mean, it’s a cool moment. Come on, man, it’s been a decade, pretty much. It’s a cool moment.”

“Do I wish that they would have done it at WarGames? No, because I feel that Randy should have had a great moment, too.”

“Because Randy is amazing. He’s one of those Hall of Famers, icons, legends. If you sculpt out what a Superstar should be, it’s Randy. I feel like it overshadowed Randy’s moment. But, it was a cool moment, of course.” 

“The whole backstage drama BS drama, it’s there. We all know it’s there. How will it be handled now? Who knows? I guess we’ll see. He can burn bridges, but he can re-build them. Who knows? Who the hell knows? For the fans and the people who watch WWE, cool moment.” 

Randy Orton signed deal with SmackDown, and CM Punk went to RAW. It appears that WWE was able to handle that injection of top talent to their roster well, and now they are on their own road in WWE.

We will keep a close eye on this topic, and so many more. CM Punk’s return to the company is just getting started, and so is Randy Orton’s. They also both have their eyes on top titles. Only time will tell if they ever meet in the ring again.

If CM Punk and Randy Orton ever throw down in WWE, at least they have a ready-made storyline waiting on them. Randy Orton can always bring up how CM Punk stole his spotlight, which may give them even more of a reason to have an intense match.

What’s your take on CM Punk returning at Survivor Series after WarGames? Do you think he stole the spotlight from Randy Orton? Let us know what you think in the comments section!