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Since his arrival to AEW a few short months ago, CM Punk has managed to once again become one of the most talked-about wrestlers currently working. Though absent for seven years from the world of pro wrestling, the Straight Edge Superstar has made a triumphant return, showing virtually no ring rust during his time away from the ring.
As fantastic as CM Punk's run in AEW has been, a veteran performer like him has had his fair share of conflicts with some fellow talent. Sometimes, these backstage feuds would be of a professional nature.
Other times, they seemingly blur the lines between onscreen rivalries and personal ones, with wrestlers making some very barbed comments about one another.
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Here are three AEW wrestlers CM Punk has had some personal issues with, and two wrestlers that he absolutely loves.
#5. Has had heat with AEW's Eddie Kingston
CM Punk's feud with Eddie Kingston has been one of Punk's most entertaining AEW rivalries so far. Both wrestlers are unbelievably talented on the mic, resulting in some fantastic promos in the ring. However, Eddie Kingston has since revealed his personal problems with Punk both before and after their feud.
According to Kingston, The Mad King felt disrespected by Punk and various other wrestling veterans. Kingston also said that their promos together were largely truthful, with Kingston saying he and Punk were saying things they really meant. Kingston also said that their highly physical match at Full Gear was them "really fighting," and that they did not shake hands afterwards.
It's unknown whether Kingston is just maintaining kayfabe or not, but judging from how personal the comments between the two were, it's likely some element of truth bled into their rivalry.
#4. CM Punk loves Taz
Taz was one of Punk's former companions in WWE. Their relationship dates back to their days in ECW around 2006. Punk and Taz have appeared occasionally on AEW television together -- sometimes on commentary, briefly even calling each other out during a short feud between Punk and Powerhouse Hobbs. While the two may be portaying babyface and heel rivals, privately, they appear to be close friends.
Previously, Taz has discussed Punk at length, stating how much he enjoys his work and respects in-ring talent, as well as his overall gimmick. In that same interview, Taz mentioned that he and Punk were close friends during their time in WWE, but that they failed to keep in touch in the years after they both left the company.
Given that Punk and Taz are now working in the same company again, it's very likely their friendship has resumed in AEW.
#3. Punk has had heat with Matt Hardy in WWE
CM Punk and Matt Hardy were two of the most popular wrestlers that worked for WWE during the late 2000s'. When Punk entered the main event picture, one of his first feuds (and still one of his overall best) was against Matt's brother, Jeff. For most of 2009, the two feuded over the World Championship, resulting in several fantastic matches and some very dramatic promos between the two.
In the last few years of Jeff Hardy's late 2000s' run in WWE, he suffered various drug and alcohol-related issues. As Punk is an openly straight edge wrestler, the two's feud took a personal spin, with Punk criticizing Hardy's lifestyle and past personal substance abuse issues.
Ultimately, Jeff Hardy would leave the company for TNA, producing a video alongside Matt where they mocked Punk and his straight edge lifestyle. Given how close Matt is to his brother, it's likely he shares his Jeff's animosity towards Punk.
Similarly, it's almost certain that Punk hasn't forgotten that both Jeff and Matt were in that video together, possibly holding a grudge against both brothers as a result.
#2. CM Punk loves The Young Bucks
A major reason that Punk likely signed with AEW was the persistent attempts of the Young Bucks to get him to sign with the company. Since the formation of AEW was first announced in 2019, there had long been rumors that the Young Bucks were offering Punk a serious role in the promotion.
While the Bucks' constant attempts at courting Punk were professional in nature, it would appear that the three men share a personal friendship as well.
In an interview with Sporting News prior to Punk's signing to AEW, Matt Jackson said that he texted Punk on a weekly basis. In that same interview, Jackson also said that he considered Punk a close friend. Jackson's friendship with Punk over the years likely influenced his decision to return to pro wrestling.
#1. CM Punk has had heat with Colt Cabana
Colt Cabana was one of Punk's oldest friends in pro wrestling. They started off around the same time in the mid 2000s together, making a name for themselves on the independent circuit. Even when Punk signed to WWE and Cabana remained in the indies, the two kept in touch, remaining close friends over the years.
Unfortunately, Cabana and Punk's relationship would take a turn for the worse in later years. In the mid 2010s', Cabana would sue Punk, putting a serious strain on their friendship. Thankfully, since Punk signed with the company, Cabana has clarified that the two have since reconciled and supposedly remain friends.
