AEW All Out 2021 - Star ratings for every match

CM Punk vs. Darby Allin (AEW All Out 2021)

What a moment - @CMPunk vs @DarbyAllin #AEWAllOut pic.twitter.com/hCaCtCAgvo

— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) September 6, 2021

For many fans, the main event of AEW All Out 2021 should have been CM Punk's in-ring return after seven years away from the business. He chose Darby Allin to be his opponent. The two men shared plenty of parallels with their straight edge lifestyle and being alternative superstars in wrestling. This had the big fight feel right from the very start.

This was another matchup that started out slow with lock ups and Punk trying to work off his ring rust. Darby showed that he could outwrestle Punk, but the former WWE superstar had a considerable size advantage. Despite that, the youngster was in top form here and controlled things using his underrated technical ability at AEW All Out 2021.

.@DarbyAllin regains the momentum against @CMPunk. #AEWAllOut pic.twitter.com/7zLctmE0pF

— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) September 6, 2021

CM Punk once again used his size to toss Darby into the ring post and went for several Go To Sleep attempts. He eventually did hit his finisher, but Darby fell to the outside before Punk could pin him. Allin would go on to break the ten count. He continued to counter the Go To Sleep and hit a Code Red for a nearfall. Darby then hit a crazy suicide dive and followed with a top rope senton to the floor on Punk.

CM Punk kicked out of Darby Allin's Last Supper and caught him with a leg lariat. Darby tried for a poison rana, but Punk reversed and hit a second Go To Sleep for the win. After the match, Punk shook hands with Sting and Darby Allin in a show of respect. This was a great comeback match for Punk here at AEW All Out 2021 and showed that Darby will be a top player in All Elite Wrestling.

Star rating: ****1/4