Hear Me Out: Punk In Impact

 He is a polarizing figure, but one of Eric Bischoff's mantras is controversy creates cash. Bischoff is right, and a perfect example of that mantra is one CM Punk.

CM Punk by himself is a controversial guy, some love him for his brash honesty and passion, while others claim he's always been overrated, prickly, and has a very woe is me attitude. While he's controversial he also creates cash, CM Punk back in a wrestling ring with a mic in his hand and several minutes to talk creates even more cash. His return bought AEW ratings for Rampage and Collision, and he instantly became AEW's biggest merchandise seller. So, since he is done with AEW for good and a WWE return is from my point of view 95% no, and a slim 5 % yes. So, if CM Punk wishes to return to wrestling and right his legacy...why not give Impact an shot?

Impact is the number 3 promotion in the pro wrestling ecosystem, but it's scale and profile is so much lower than WWE and AEW. While the product is consistently good, many fans tend to overlook it or bash it still tying the organization's time to when it was a madhouse known as TNA. CM Punk joining could be the catalyst needed for the naysayers and casual fans to tune in. If they tuned in, then Impact could use that as leverage for a broadcast deal outside of AXS for more exposure. Maybe Amazon like I suggested previously?

Impact is known for having a close knit roster, which may worry some if Punk stepped foot in the locker. I believe being near the end of his career and having learned in AEW, he would actually help more than hurt the locker room. I also think Scott D'Amore would be respectful of Punk, but not a fanboy and would be able to check him if needed before things got out of hand. With producers like Tommy Dreamer, Lance Storm, and D'Lo Brown they would know how to defuse things quickly. 

CM Punk really got his national spotlight on TNA back in the early 2000's alongside his time in ROH, this could be billed as a homecoming of sorts. Admit it, you wouldn't mind seeing CM Punk go against Josh Alexander, Jonathan Gresham, Eddie Edwards, Steve Maclin or Kushida. 

Really if CM Punk behaves what does Impact have to lose? Especially if it's a short term 3-6 month engagement. I think if both parties are straight forward with one another, it could work out in everyone's favor. Let's see if Punk decides to walk that Impact path, or fully leaving pro wrestling behind.