CM Punk Reflects on AEW’s Most Memorable Match and Talks Future with WWE
AEW’s Eventful Past and Punk’s Cherished Memories
In a career marked by way of each triumphs and controversies, CM Punk’s time with All Elite Wrestling (AEW) sticks out as a specifically tumultuous chapter. Known for his excessive-profile conflicts and dramatic exits, Punk’s tenure with AEW was punctuated via a sequence of full-size activities, consisting of his notorious behind the curtain brawls and eventual departure from the promoting. Yet, amid those stormy episodes, there has been a second Punk recalls with actual fondness—a suit against Darby Allin that he considers considered one of his greatest.
CM Punk’s return to professional wrestling at AEW’s All Out 2021 was more than just a personal comeback. It was a symbolic reawakening of his wrestling career after a seven-year hiatus. His bout against Darby Allin, a match that showcased both wrestlers’ prowess and storytelling abilities, holds a special place in Punk’s heart. “Darby Allin immediately comes to mind,” Punk shared in an interview with Denise Salcedo of Instinct Culture. “Darby is a friend of mine. I don’t like talking about myself in this regard because people sensationalize headlines and make assumptions, next thing you know people in the basement are diagnosing me with some sort of psychological disorder.”
Punk’s modest reflection on the match underscores a deeper narrative about his return to the ring. For Punk, the bout with Allin was more than a return to form; it was an opportunity to pass the torch and share a moment with a talented young wrestler. “I’d like to think that was a special moment for Darby,” he added. “Being a straight-edge kid. Being the one that kind of lured CM Punk back into the ring and getting my first match back after six or seven years.”
Despite the controversies that would follow—ranging from backstage altercations to his eventual firing from AEW—Punk’s sentiment towards the Allin match remains a testament to his appreciation for meaningful wrestling moments. The match, which Punk describes as “my number one with a bullet,” was not just a high point for him but a significant moment for Allin’s career as well.
WWE’s Strategic Talks with CM Punk
As CM Punk navigates a new chapter in his career with WWE, the landscape of professional wrestling is once again buzzing with excitement. Recently, WWE has been engaged in contract negotiations with Punk, aiming to secure his presence for the long haul. The original deal Punk signed upon his return was described as short-term with potential for extensions, and WWE is now in discussions about a more detailed and long-term agreement.
According to Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, the initial contract was a temporary arrangement with rollover clauses. “Regarding stories on Punk and a new contract, the original deal he signed was short-term and filled with rollover clauses that would go a lot longer. From those in WWE, it was a three-year max with rollovers deal but that they were expecting to renegotiate it based on how things went at this time,” Meltzer reported.
The ongoing talks reflect both WWE’s recognition of Punk’s value and the natural progression of contract negotiations in the wrestling industry. “This was expected to happen from the start and not something like he’s trying to renegotiate now that he’s in a hot program,” Meltzer explained. “It was something always expected to happen if things went well at this time.”
Punk’s upcoming healthy at SummerSlam on August third, wherein he will face Drew McIntyre with Seth Rollins because the special visitor referee, is expected to be a spotlight of the event. Although no longer for a championship, the suit is expected to be one of the maximum vast bouts of the night, showcasing Punk’s ongoing impact in WWE.
As Punk continues to solidify his function inside WWE, enthusiasts and analysts alike are watching carefully. His storied past with AEW and present day trends in WWE paint a complex image of a wrestler whose profession is anything but everyday. With ongoing negotiations and a excessive-stakes healthy on the horizon, CM Punk’s journey remains a captivating narrative within the world of expert wrestling.
