In recent weeks, CM Punk has been linked with a return to wrestling with either WWE or AEW. Cody Rhodes has said the door is still open for him to join his promotion.

Despite Punk being linked to an on-screen role on WWE's Backstage on Fox Sports 1, there are still rumours that he could sign for their rivals AEW.

While some reports have suggested AEW are no longer interested in the former WWE Champion following his interview with ESPN back in July criticising AEW's recruitment attempt of him, Cody says the door is still open.

Speaking on Collider Live, via Wrestling Inc, Rhodes thinks Punk's chances of joining AEW is still 50/50 and he also stated they did more than just text him during their recruitment process.

The executive vice president of AEW said: "He did kind of make us look like dumbasses, saying we sent him a text offer. I'm sure we texted him, but we also called him.

"Someone also met you in a coffee shop. We made genuine efforts. But in this case, 2019, it's been quite some time away from the ring. We gotta focus on who really wants to be on board with us versus going out and finding someone who perhaps doesn't really want to be part of this."

Rhodes added that the door is still open for Punk if he's interesting in joining AEW.

He said: "I didn't really communicate with him further after that. I expected to see him at Starrcast. He gave this great live show that he did with Mike Johnson, where he was really great with his answers.

"I'm sure we'll run into each other at some point. If he ever wanted to be part of this and he had the passion to comeback to wrestling, that door is always open. No ego, no situation would ever prevent us from having him come in because the fans have never given up on Punk. Ever. It's crazy."

While Cody has said the door is still open for Punk, Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Radio has reported the opposite, saying AEW has closed the door on Punk due to his interview with ESPN.

Meltzer also stated that Punk's audition for an on-screen role on WWE's Backstage on FS1 went well and he'll likely receive an offer to be on the show.

We'll have to wait and see if Punk decides to jump back into the wrestling business and if it will be with WWE or AEW.

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