CM Punk makes WWE return on Backstage

It's been six years since wrestling fans last saw CM Punk on WWE TV, but the former champion has left fans in disbelief following a shock announcement he will appear on 'WWE Backstage'.

Last October, Fox and WWE Smackdown officially embarked on a new five-year broadcast deal worth $205 million ($299M AUD) annually to broadcast the two-hour show every week.

However, Fox's WWE coverage has gone beyond the two-hour weekly Smackdown show, with FS1 becoming the home of a Fox produced 'WWE Backstage' show consisting of a one hour long weekly broadcast that features long time WWE broadcaster Renee Young and WWE Hall of Famer Booker T.

Punk had parted ways with the WWE six years ago, admitting in multiple interviews he wasn't happy with the direction of the company and the way his character was being used.

With Fox taking over the Smackdown brand, rumours had been circling for months that Punk had auditioned for the Fox Produced backstage show.

Punk did admit to the rumours but never gave an answer on whether he's return was in the pipeline.

But, in the final minutes of today's FS1 backstage show, Punk made a surprise appearance to declare he was joining the show.

"It's as simple as this. Just when they think they have the answers, I change the culture," Punk said.

"I'll see you here next week."

The announcement promptly sent as wrestling fans and social media into meltdown.

Punk left an incredible legacy during his WWE career.

Punk held the WWE Championship for 434 days and established himself as one of the brand's biggest superstars.

After parting ways with WWE, Punk has gone on to author comic books for Marvel, compete in UFC and star in the horror film "Girl on the Third Floor."