More On CM Punk's Reported TNA Offer And Possible Reality Show Project, OVW Statement On Punk
It was reported on Wednesday by Dave Meltzer in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that TNA, through an intermediary who is friends with CM Punk, made a big money offer to him just like they did to Alberto Del Rio following his departure from WWE in August. After the story broke, PWInsider.com contacted 'several high level TNA sources' and each of them said there was no truth to the story, with one commenting, "No offer was made, officially or via an intermediary?no truth to that rumor." Meltzer maintains the story is legitimate and adds that Punk showed "no real interest" in TNA's offer.
In response to PWInsider.com refuting his story, Meltzer wrote on the F4WOnline.com message board, "The other story is obviously true and I didn't think it was that big a deal since he showed no real interest. Look at common sense. You're trying to make a TV deal. There is a free agent out there who is one of the biggest stars and you're denying contact with him? In other words, are you saying you're an incompetent promotion? It was how many minutes after Del Rio got fired that they tried to get in touch with him? But they didn't as least try to contact Punk while trying to close a deal?"
Immediately after WWE announced Del Rio's release due to unprofessional conduct and an altercation with an employee on August 7, 2014, Meltzer reported that officials from TNA attempted to contact Del Rio with an offer that he would be crowned TNA World Heavyweight Champion in short order.
Meanwhile, it was reported this week by VoicesofWrestling.com that Punk was backstage at Ohio Valley Wrestling's "Saturday Night Special" event in Louisville, Kentucky, which may be the first wrestling show he's attended since he walked out on WWE in January. According to a source in OVW, Punk only spoke to Rip Rogers, Cliff Compton and Trailer Park Trash, with everyone else backstage instructed "to not bother him." OVW Director of Television Michael Baldwin contacted the website to issue corrections on the story.
"Trailer Park Trash was not in the Davis Arena that night. No one was told not to bother CM Punk, there was no meeting held. Punk was here to talk old times with Danny Davis as the two are friends, and spent most of the time in Danny's office. We wanted to clear things up with the article which was posted on October 6. Thank you."
In another Punk note, Meltzer revealed on the F4WOnline.com message board that after Punk left WWE, a major network wanted him to host a reality show?he didn't specify whether this came after he walked out on WWE or his contract expired.
"No idea if he's doing it, but can factually tell you since the guy in charge of the show went through me to get his contact info," Meltzer wrote.