Wrestling’s worst-kept secret is finally out. Following so many reports and rumors, and never a denial by anyone associated with AEW, former WWE Champion and UFC fighter CM Punk has debuted with the company. As expected, Punk made his first appearance on AEW’s “The First Dance” episode of Rampage, broadcasting live from Chicago, Illinois.
In Punk’s inaugural AEW appearance, he shocked the world in the way only he can. Walking to the ring to his signature song, “Cult of Personality” by Living Colour, Punk got easily the biggest crowd reaction in AEW history. What else would you expect from the ultimate hometown hero? When he finally took a microphone, he took a few veiled shots at WWE and claimed that he’s not going anywhere. He also harkened back to his WWE promos, claiming everyone in the audience was getting a free ice cream car on their way out of the arena.
Punk also directly called out Darby Allin, who was hanging out in the rafter with Sting for some reason. According to Punk, he’s in AEW to help, and Darby’s first on the list. “There’s nothing more dangerous than wrestling CM Punk,” he said. “Except wrestling CM Pung in Chicago.”
This was Punk’s first appearance on a wrestling TV show since WWE Backstage on Fox Sports 1 announced it would no longer be a weekly series by June 2020. His last in-ring appearance was at WWE’s 2014 Royal Rumble.
Now that he’s back, AEW quickly shifted into Punk’s first feud with Darby Allen that will culminate at the All Out PPV, which will also take place in the Chicagoland area. All Out will air live from the Now Arena–home to previous All Out events and the All In show that inspired the launch of AEW–on Saturday, September 5.
Thus far, a number of matches have already been confirmed for All Out. You can check out the card below.
- Women’s Casino Battle Royale
- The Young Bucks vs. winners of eliminator tournament (AEW Tag Team Championships)
- Paul Wight vs. QT Marshall
- Pac vs. Andrade El Idolo
- Kenny Omega vs. Christian (AEW World Championship)
