5 AEW stars who could have benefited from CM Punk's first loss more than MJF

AEW Dynamite has seen some historic moments since its inception in 2019, such as Sting's return to wrestling or even the formation of the Inner Circle. However, last night's Dynamite will be marked as CM Punk's first defeat in seven years.

Since his debut on the second episode of AEW Rampage, Punk has remained undefeated. Though he had some close calls when facing the likes of Wardlow and Eddie Kingston, MJF is the man that finally pinned him.

While Friedman's victory will undoubtedly be remembered, there are other stars on the roster who arguably could have used the win over Punk more. Pinning the self-proclaimed Best in the World would bolster any young wrestler's career significantly.

MJF will certainly use his victory over Punk to further catapult his career. This list will break down some of the stars who could have started similar trajectories if they had gotten the win over the straight-edge star.

5. Shawn Spears

Shawn Spears looked strong going into his match against CM Punk. The Chairman even sported a new entrance for the bout: sitting alone in a spotlight and whistling ominously just before his music hit.

Spears has done very little of importance since becoming All Elite, aside from forming The Pinnacle alongside MJF. Lately he's been delegated to being a henchman and fighting MJF's battles rather than his own.

A win against CM Punk could have done wonders for the 40-year-old's career. Defeating Punk could also have given him a chance to reinvent himself and shed his current reputation as a glorified enhancement talent.

Regardless of whether he's achieved his potential, Shawn Spears is a grizzled veteran. The fans know he has the skills to compete with anyone on the roster, but a victory over the Best in the World would have solidified that.

4. Bobby Fish

Bobby Fish is a strike-orientated wrestler with a background in kickboxing. He's also a multi-time champion in several companies alongside his ReDragon partner Kyle O'Reilly.

The former NXT star was signed to AEW in October 2021, and shortly after found himself across the ring from CM Punk. The two wrestled a slow, methodical brawl, and Punk emerged victorious.

For a talent crossing the battle lines from NXT to AEW, a win for Fish would have been a huge statement. If the Super Elite member had managed to pin Punk, it could have set both he and O'Reilly on a path of destruction in AEW.

3. Daniel Garcia

Daniel Garcia recently won the PWC Battle of Los Angeles tournament at the age of 22. The young star's incredible technical skills are already well-known to any fan who has seen him wrestle, and he's set for a massive push.

Garcia has already made a name for himself in AEW as someone who isn't afraid to pick fights with anyone. This was no different when the submission specialist targeted CM Punk, resulting in a match on Rampage in October last year, which he lost.

The Red Death could have jump-started his career with a win over the Chicago native. Garcia has no victories over big names in AEW as of yet, and making Punk the first on his list would have instantly vaulted the young star into AEW's stratosphere.

2. Eddie Kingston

On the lead-up to AEW Full Gear in 2021, Eddie Kingston and CM Punk were embroiled in a heated feud. The two engaged in several explosive in-ring promos and even a parking lot brawl. Fans were primed to see Eddie take his frustrations out on the Second City Saint.

Unfortunately for the Mad King, he lost to Punk in a grueling match at the PPV. And while the bout went on to garner acclaim from fans and critics alike, the feud was instantly over. Kingston at this point was arguably more over with the crowd than Punk, and would have benefited from a win much more.

The 40-year-old star hasn't had a more memorable feud in AEW, and would have gained far more recognition for winning.

1. Wardlow

Wardlow has become increasingly more prominent in AEW in recent months. The 34-year-old heavy even held a winning streak before his loss against CM Punk.

While the star's eventual betrayal of MJF has been anticipated for months, defeating the Best in the World would have added much to his menacing status. With a win over one of the most popular performers in the industry, the War Dog might have already tossed MJF to the side to begin his own rise to superstardom.

Wardlow will likely enjoy a massive push soon enough, but a victory over CM Punk could have done a lot to get him off the ground.