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Bleacher Report catches you up on the latest news from WWE and AEW.
CM Punk Interested in Tagging with Cena
John Cena is set to embark on a retirement tour next year, and at least one longtime rival wants to get in the ring with him one more time—just not as an opponent.
CM Punk said it would be "pretty interesting" to see himself and Cena team up when the 16-time champion returns to WWE in 2025.
"If I had to tag up with somebody to beat some people up, it would probably Larry," Punk said, referring to his dog. "Everybody's asking me because (John) Cena has announced his retirement that, you know, obviously they wanna see us fight each other. I think there's something to me and him tagging. I think that can be pretty interesting."
Punk and Cena were longtime rivals in the early 2010s, with some fans viewing Punk at the anthesis of Cena. The pair have not squared off since Cena defeated Punk in a No. 1 contenders' match in February 2013.
Punk returned to WWE at last year's Survivor Series pay-per-view after a nine-year absence. During Punk's WWE hiatus, Cena went on to become one of the most decorated stars in wrestling history before leaving to embark on a successful Hollywood career.
With more than a decade having passed since the height of their rivalry, it would be a nice full-circle moment to see them on the same side.
Punk Says AJ Lee Will Make Own Decision on Return
Ever since WWE's prodigal son returned, there have been questions about the prodigal daughter also making her return.
Punk's wife, AJ Lee, is one of the most celebrated women's wrestlers of her time, often looked at as one of the biggest reasons WWE transitioned away from the Divas era. Lee left WWE in 2015, with a combination of a spinal injury and Punk's relationship with the company playing a part in her departure.
Lee has not wrestled since leaving WWE but was involved in the Women of Wrestling promotion from 2021 to 2023. Punk admitted he would love to see Lee make a comeback but the decision is ultimately hers.
"I'm the wrong guy to ask those questions about. I know there's a lot out there of that, but I certainly am not pushing her to do anything. I think she knows that there's options," Punk said. "I think she sees how happy I am and how things are different. But if the right situation presented itself, it would have to be a discussion between her and certain people. I don't necessarily want to be in the middle of that just because it could get kind of weird. Selfishly, yes, I would love to make out with my wife on television again."
Punk and Lee met during their time in WWE, when an on-screen storyline led to an off-screen romance. They have been married since June 2014.
Jeff Hardy Only Wants WWE HOF if Matt Inducted as Well
Jeff Hardy still doesn't want to be in the WWE Hall of Fame unless his brother joins him.
Hardy recently appeared on Busted Open Radio and said would still prefer to join the HOF with Matt.
"For sure, man. When I denied it the first time, it didn't feel right going in there without Matt [Hardy]," Hardy said. "I mean I cried after that phone call. I was just thinking about all the really cool moments I've given to the pro-wrestling world. I'm so proud of it, but it didn't feel right at all. So, I just wanted to wait. If I did do this, I'm definitely doing that with Matt, you know. It'll be a Hardy Boyz thing. I just want one ring, I don't want two rings."
It's a virtual certainty that the Hardys will wind up in the Hall of Fame at some point. They're on the shortlist of the best wrestlers in the world who have yet to receive their induction.
Now that both Matt and Jeff are no longer with AEW, they could wind up getting their due by the time 2025 comes along.
Beth Phoenix No Longer With WWE
Could Beth Phoenix be following Adam Copeland to AEW?
Maybe. Maybe not. But WWE is no longer a hurdle.
PW Insider reported Phoenix's contract recently expired, and she was not given a Legends deal or offered a new contract. Whether that was by her choice or WWE's is up to interpretation.
Phoenix has largely been retired from in-ring competition, wrestling only 11 times since 2012. That said, she's still young enough to go in the ring if she chooses to make a return and also has value as a coach and commentator.
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