CM Punk News Roundup: AEW star responds to challenge for inter-gender match, Takes a shot at WWE, Debuts new look

CM Punk recently appeared on ESPN's SportsNation show where he spoke on a variety of topics. Punk also appeared on the Holiday Bash episode of AEW Dynamite in some interesting attire.

The Straight Edge Superstar has been a primary topic of discussion since making his return to wrestling after seven years. While his current run has been criticized by many wrestling commentators, CM Punk seems set to work his way back up.

5. CM Punk takes a dig at WWE while naming the future stars of AEW

CM Punk has never been afraid to share his opinions and while asked on SportsNation about which AEW talents impressed him, he had this to say:

"There's so many young guys I think the future of AEW is in such good hands. Most of the younger guys that we have that we're gonna wind up spotlighting in the next five years or so are in their early 20s. I mean, Britt Baker. God, Hook, I mean, everybody seems to love Hook. Guys had one match, you know what I mean? I just think we take our time with our talents, and AEW as a whole is still a baby, two years old. And we're going to be moving to TBS in the new year. That's a big step. And just taking time and fostering the new talents instead of just kind of throwing them out there and having a sink or swim attitude helps," - CM Punk responded

WWE has made a name for themselves in poorly booking young talent before releasing them when they don't land with fans. CM Punk is clearly one of the latest people to note this. However, in a less negative tone, Punk is optimistic about all the young and upcoming talent in AEW who haven't even hit 30 yet.

4. CM Punk names the number one moment in his wrestling career thus far

CM Punk made his return to in-ring professional wrestling on August 20, 2021 during AEW Rampage 'First Dance'. Not only was this a new favorite moment for many wrestling fans, Punk even admitted during his ESPN interview that his return was the best moment of his career,

"It was pretty crazy. I definitely think it's the number one moment of my career. I’ve been fortunate, I've done a lot of cool things, won titles, sold out buildings, wrestled a lot of big names. But to come back after 7 years and have that be the response, shows you. I think that I left my fingerprints all over the industry, individuals and everything." - Punk on his debut in August

Fans of CM Punk would be ecstatic to hear that his favorite career moment is the same as theirs. CM Punk's career in AEW has just begun, and there will definitely be more moments down the line.

3. CM Punk debuts new look at AEW Holiday Bash in tribute of Sting

In 1988, Sting faced Ric Flair in his first major title match in the first Clash of Champions at the Greensboro Coliseum. Last night's AEW Dynamite took place in that very same arena, and CM Punk sported face paint similar to Sting's Surfer persona.

Sting also altered his face paint to that of Punk's "Best in the World" logo while Darby Allin sported pink face paint. The trio had a daunting match against FTR and MJF, but MJF spent most of the match running away. Sting looked impressive as the veteran took a few risks, which is a good sign for more Sting in AEW.

CM Punk's feud with MJF is far from over. AEW has likely shifted to a longer feud for Punk and MJF.

2. CM Punk responds to Adam Cole and Britt Baker challenging him and AJ Lee to a Mixed Tag Team match

Another question CM Punk was asked during his interview with SportsNation was the possibility of his wife AJ Lee returning to wrestle Adam Cole and Britt Baker in a mixed-tag match.

Punk didn't shoot the idea down entirely, but seemed hesitant to give fans any hope of seeing the Black Widow return to wrestling.

"I doubt -- that one I can't promise you. She's doing her own thing. And you know to be completely honest, I know her, and if I said 'Hey, you know you want to do this wrestling match?' and if she was all gung ho to do it, I know she would want to get into stupid shape to do it. And I like her thick, so I don't want to take that away from myself [laughing]." - Punk said.

While this would be a dream match, AJ Lee retired due to some serious injuries. The likelihood of her getting back into the ring would be lower due to these injuries.

1. CM Punk gives his opinion on controversial YouTubers-turned-fighters, Jake and Logan Paul

During his interview with SportsNation, CM Punk was asked his opinion on Logan and Jake Paul's ventures into combat sports. While both stars have been controversial, Punk had some kind words for the brothers.

"I think everything's entertainment. I think some people conflate being a fighter with being an entertainer, but when it makes dollars it makes sense and what the Paul brothers are doing I think is, for a lack of a better term, old school pro wrestling right. I mean you could say they’re crossing over but there’s so many similarities between the two businesses. They command attention, people want to see them get knocked out they know this but they’re putting themselves out there, they’re putting themselves on the line. I’ll never criticise in a negative way or fashion anybody who makes the walk anybody who trains their ass off because I did it and I know what it takes and you put yourself out there, you put yourself on the line." - CM Punk responded.

CM Punk also crossed over into MMA years ago, although his venture was less successful than wrestling. Having acted as well, Punk knows the adjustment it takes to get into something outside of what you're known for.