CM Punk News Roundup: CM Punk takes shot at WWE, praises new UFC Champion, future match with top NJPW star?

The self-proclaimed "Best Wrestler in the World" CM Punk has been up to quite a few things so early in the year.

Punk made history on Dynamite by being the first-ever wrestler to cause a match to end in a certain way. During the same segment, he again let loose on WWE and gave MJF another piece of his mind.

Outside of AEW, Punk drew the attention of one of the best wrestlers in NJPW, and the two have challenged each other. Amidst all this, he still took the time to compliment a new UFC champion and interact with fans on Twitter.

Without further ado, let's deep dive into the latest news related to CM Punk.

5. CM Punk reveals his favorite Bret Hart Match in Twitter Q&A session

Punk has always been vocal in his admiration of Bret "The Hitman" Hart. Throughout the years, he has even made subtle tributes to Hart during his matches.

When asked by a fan which of Hart's matches is his favorite, Punk quickly responded, noting Hart's match against his brother, Owen Hart at Wrestlemania-X. The Hitman has had many terrific contests in his career but held the stories in wrestling close to his heart.

Owen Hart was instrumental in shaping wrestling into what it is today and accomplished a lot in a short time. It's no surprise that AEW will be holding the first-ever Owen Hart Cup Tournament on the third anniversary of AEW.

Hopefully, Punk will also have some Bret Hart-level matches in AEW very soon.

4. CM Punk praises UFC star Julianna Pena on her victory

During an interview with Helen Yee, CM Punk named some of his favorite fighters today. Since Punk is an avid MMA fan, especially after taking part himself, he naturally named a UFC fighter.

UFC fighter Julianna Pena shocked the MMA world by winning a massive match in early December 2021. Punk has been called the Voice of the Voiceless, and with Pena being an underdog, it's no surprise she's one of his favorites.

"I love watching the ladies fight, Julianna Pena, she's residing in Chicago now, gotta give a big shoutout to her. Possibly the biggest underdog win in mixed martial arts history, beating you know, the GOAT, Amanda Nunes." - CM Punk

It is great to see CM Punk keeps himself up to date with the world of combat sports outside pro wrestling.

3. CM Punk responds to NJPW star Kazuchika Okada's challenge

During an interview with Sports Illustrated, Kazuchika Okada named the two wrestlers he would like to have incredible matches with. Okada named CM Punk and Bryan Danielson as wrestlers he'd like to step into the ring with soon.

"Danielson and Punk would make for some incredible matches, a lot of those dream match scenarios are about getting excited for the possibilities.... So it is important to keep that excitement and anticipation, I think. Still, if we wait too long, they’ll both retire eventually, so I want to face them both while they’re still active." - Kazuchika Okada

Punk responded to Okada with the above tweet, and hopefully, this forbidden door can be opened with AEW's relationship with NJPW.

2. CM Punk resumes feud with MJF and takes a nasty shot at WWE

The MJF-CM Punk feud has been given new life after Punk was seemingly done with Friedman.

Not only did Punk interrupt MJF's match before it even began, but after calling the fleeing Friedman out, he ended up knocking WWE. However, The Salt of The Earth also brought up WWE and Wrestlemania.

Weeks ago, Punk bashed MJF for being compared to the late Roddy Piper, and the latter sought revenge. He compared Punk to Piper and noted how the Hall of Famer headlined Wrestlemania, but Second City Saint never did.

The move didn't go as planned, and CM Punk ended up trashing WWE along with Friedman:

"And listen pal if you think the grass is greener on the other side, be my guest go ahead leave, main event night 4 of a buy 1 get 1 free extravaganza and then get released faster than you last in the sack," Punk said

Notably, this will mark the first long-term feud between CM Punk and another wrestler in AEW. So far, Punk has had a one-match rivalry with wrestlers, drawing criticism from fans and critics alike.

1. CM Punk caused the first-ever win via disqualification in AEW history

The win via disqualification has become something that WWE is infamous for, and Tony Khan has even taken shots at WWE for this before. Hence, AEW has been careful to avoid matches ending in a DQ.

However, the finish in question is likely a cheek-in-tongue shot at WWE but mainly a way for CM Punk to get under MJF's skin. Friedman has now begun the year with a loss, thanks to Punk.

Hopefully, the feud between Punk and MJF continues and ends in a way that elevates both AEW stars.