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Welcome back to another exciting edition of the AEW News Roundup, where we bring you the biggest news stories coming from the world of All Elite Wrestling.
It's been a rapturous last 24 hours in AEW as CM Punk made his jaw-dropping debut at Rampage. The Voice of the Voiceless talked about why he left WWE in the post-media scrum.
A member of a popular faction wants to share the ring with former Intercontinental Champion AJ Styles. A WCW legend reveals how Ric Flair ended up making an appearance at Triplemania XXIX.
An IMPACT Wrestling star wants to team up with Women's Champion Dr. Britt Baker and another AEW star heaps praise on Christian Cage.
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With that said, let's now get in-depth about the aforementioned news for today's roundup.
#5 AEW's newest acquisition CM Punk reveals what made him leave WWE
Following CM Punks' return on Rampage, the former WWE star and AEW President Tony Khan sat down for a post-media scrum, where they discussed numerous topics.
CM Punk revealed that he was mentally ill and had to quit wrestling to look after his well-being and was not sure of making a comeback until AEW knocked on his door:
"When I was sick and tired and hurt, and I realized that... these people wouldn't care if I died today, there would be another show tomorrow, then I knew I had to remove myself from the situation. I didn't know how long it was going to take for me to heal and then this [AEW] came along," said CM Punk.
AEW president Tony Khan later on revealed that the former WWE superstar has signed a full-time deal.
The Straight Edge Superstar is now keen to write another chapter of his wrestling career. It couldn't be a better time for someone to be a wrestling fan as AEW possibly enters into a wrestling war with WWE.
Rampage grabbed massive headlines all over social media as CM Punk made his highly-anticipated debut in AEW. The roof of the United Center in Chicago came off when The Straight Edge Superstar kicked off the show.
It was a surreal moment to such an extent that fans literally cried watching their local hero return for the first time since 2014. CM Punk delivered a passionate promo, notably taking a dig at WWE, which made him sick and forced him to quit wrestling.
Soon after, he turned his attention towards Sting and Darby Allin, who were staring at him from the rafters. The Voice of the Voiceless heaped praise on Darby Allin while marking him out as his first opponent for All Out. It was a sight to behold.
#4. Top AEW star wants to face former Intercontinental Champion AJ Styles
AEW star and member of the Dark Order Stu Grayson recently expressed his desire to face WWE's AJ Styles.
Appearing on Evil Uno's YouTube vlog, AEW star Stu Grayson revealed that wrestling AJ Styles is his lifelong dream. Grayson added that he did come close to facing The Phenomenal One in wrestling events in the past. Although he admits that his dream match may not materialize, he's not losing hope:
"I am 32 now, and I've only met AJ Styles twice, once in Montreal where I almost could've wrestled him. The second time in Germany, but I never got to wrestle AJ Styles. There's no way that (sic) by the time I've been in the wrestling business for two or three years I'm not going to be a huge star, but here we are. It took a while. I could [wrestle AJ Styles], you know. It's unlikely but it is technically a possibility," Stu Grayson said.
Despite being at the age of 44, AJ Styles has shown no signs of ring rust. He became incredibly popular for his in-ring technique and innovating different maneuvers now and then.
Many wrestling stars, including AEW's Stu Grayson, still dream about getting in the ring with the former WWE Champion. Although the match between AJ Styles and Stu Grayson may not sound exciting to many people out there, it would mean a lot for the AEW star if it ever materializes.
AJ Styles may not make a sudden jump to any other wrestling promotion right now. But in a wrestling world, as the saying goes, never say never.
#3. Wrestling legend reveals how he pitched the idea of pairing Ric Flair with AEW's Andrade at Triplemania XXIX
WCW legend Konnan recently stated that a fruitful conversation with AEW star Andrade El Idolo led to Ric Flair making his post-WWE appearance at Triplemania XXIX.
Speaking on Keepin It 100 podcast, Konnan stated that AEW star Andrade El Idolo casually informed him that WWE legend Ric Flair was going to come and watch the Mexico event. This prompted Konnan to pitch the idea of pairing Flair as a manager with Andrade El Idolo:
“Like I always said, one of life’s tragedies is we get old too soon and wise too late. I think when I was young, I wasn’t the humblest cat in the world either. To me, it was a no-brainer. Originally we were going to bring up Andrade with this Mexican singer that’s mega popular and then that fell through. He had told me that maybe Ric was going to come with him to the show but as a guest just to watch it. That’s when I first thought, ‘If he’s coming in as a guest, why doesn’t he just be your second?’ He asked him and he said, ‘Yea.’ That was it. He was just going to be his second,” Konnan said.
People were left stunned when they saw Ric Flair accompanying AEW's Andrade El Idolo for his match against Kenny Omega. The bout featured several monumental moments, including a cameo appearance from Ric Flair in the ring.
The Nature Boy attacked Kenny Omega with chops on his chest while locking Konnan in his iconic Figure Four lock submission.
#2. IMPACT Wrestling star wishes to team up with AEW Women's Champion Dr. Britt Baker
IMPACT Wrestling star and current Knockouts Champion Deonna Purrazzo wants to form a tag team with AEW Women's Champion Dr. Britt Baker.
Speaking on a recent episode of Busted Open Radio, Deonna Purrazzo stated that she and Baker have pushed for their dream match numerous times. She even heaped praise on AEW's Dr. Britt Baker for reaching the pinnacle of her career. Deonna Purrazzo added that at this point, she would like to team up with Baker, given both women are holding top titles for their respective companies:
"That's a dream for Britt and I more so than it probably was for anyone else to begin with. We've kind of pushed this narrative that we want to wrestle each other. Whether it happens or not, I'm just happy to see the people I love succeed and the people who deserve to succeed, succeeding. I love everything she's doing. I love the confidence she has. She's the baddest bi*ch on the block, for real. "
Ever since the forbidden door came into full effect, fans have been desperate to see a possible champion vs. champion clash between Deonna Purrazzo and AEW star Dr. Britt Baker.
Both women have raised the standard of the women's division with their incredible performances in the ring. A match between them would be a delight for fans if it ever takes place in the future.
#1. AEW star heaps praise on IMPACT Wrestling star Christian Cage
AEW star and member of Team Taz Powerhouse Hobbs has heaped praise on Christian Cage, stating that he has the ability to bring out the best in every performer.
Appearing on a recent episode of Oral Sessions with Renee Paquette, AEW star Powerhouse Hobbs discussed numerous topics, notably his experience of sharing a ring with Christian Cage. Hobbs stated that Christian taught him to take his time in the ring. He recalled his childhood days when he used to play Christian in a wrestling video game:
"What I've learned from him is just be smooth," Hobbs said. "Take your time. From what I've always watched, he always brought the best out of people. He even said it himself. There's no pressure, but I know and I feel like he's gonna bring out of me. I literally sat down yesterday and went, 'Man, I'm doing what I always wanted to do and I'm working with Christian. This is crazy.' I remember playing him on a video game."
During the April 21 episode of AEW Dynamite, Christian Cage and Powerhouse Hobbs wrestled in a singles match. Despite the predictable outcome, Hobbs put Cage to his limits that night.
Both men continued their brief feud leading up to the Double or Nothing pay-per-view event.
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