CM Punk is one of the most interesting figures in modern pro wrestling. After cutting his teeth in independent promotions like the one that Heels portrays, Punk gained national stardom as a sarcastic, unpredictable malcontent in the WWE. Where stars of the past proudly guzzled beers to elicit a response from the blue-collar audience, Punk was publicly straight edge. Where other performers would privately complain about the company’s direction, Punk would go off-script in front of a live audience, expressing his displeasure with behind-the-scenes decision makers. Where most would just be happy as one of the most popular wrestlers in the country’s biggest promotion, Punk walked away. A man who has seen and done most everything that a professional wrestler can encounter, Amell says CM Punk was an invaluable resource on the set of Heels. “Phil comes on the show in episode three, playing Ricky Rabies,” Amell told Den of Geek. While fans should be excited that Punk will be bringing real-life wrestling knowledge to Heels, there’s also rumors that Punk could be making a real-life return to professional wrestling. Fans have been chanting for Punk ever since his 2014 retirement, especially when the WWE presents something unpopular, but there’s mounting speculation and evidence that Punk will be making an in-ring comeback with WWE rival All Elite Wrestling. When asked if he knows anything about Punk’s potential appearance in AEW, Amell was quick with an answer: “Hopefully it happens right around the time this episode airs.” Not exactly a denial. It may be late August, but with Heels and a potential real-life return to the squared, it’s not too late for a second Summer of Punk. Heels airs Sunday nights at 9 p.m. ET on Starz.
