WWE announces CM Punk's first match in over nine years

As part of the tour, Punk and Mysterio will also face each other on Dec. 30 at the Kia Forum. WWE doesn't always tape their live tours, so, it will be interesting to see whether Punk's official in-ring return is the same as what fans watching around the world get to witness. Mysterio's position as a heel makes him an ideal first opponent, assuming WWE wants to have Punk operating in a babyface role.

The matches will be the first time Punk has competed since AEW's All-In at Wembley Stadium, where he successfully defended the "Real World Championship" against Samoa Joe. A behind-the-scenes altercation with Jack "Jungle Boy" Perry during that same event is what ultimately led to Punk's dismissal, paving the way for his return to WWE.

Once Punk is fully integrated back into WWE, we should expect to see some storylines begin to develop. It would appear a feud with Seth Rollins could be high on the agenda, as will Punk's road to the Royal Rumble. With the mercurial star back "home," WWE could see a surge in their viewership and overall ratings. The company has been on an upward trajectory this year as AEW's rapid growth continues to push the wrestling industry to grow and adapt.