When pro wrestler C.M. Punk left the WWE in 2014, his legions of fans had no idea how long he would gone. At WWE shows, the fans in attendance would start loud “C.M. Punk! C.M. Punk!” chants. Even when Punk (real name: Phil Brooks) ventured into MMA, his admirers kept hoping that their rebellious, straight-edge hero would someday return to the squared circle.

Well, last night, at the United Center in his hometown of Chicago, Punk finally made that return – this time as the newest talent acquisition for All Elite Wrestling.

It took seven years for it to happen, but judging from the fans’ reaction, it was well worth the wait:

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