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CM Punk competed in a Strap Match against Drew McIntyre at today's WWE Bash in Berlin Premium Live Event, and fans noticed a connection to AEW All In. Many on social media pointed out that The Second City Saint's gear looked familiar.
All Elite Wrestling held its second annual All In pay-per-view at Wembley Stadium last weekend. In the previous edition, CM Punk performed in his final AEW match before his termination. The Straight Edge Superstar entered Wembley Stadium in 2023 wearing classic white trunks with his signature red stars and blue stripes.
Just one week removed from All In 2024, Punk again entered the ring wearing that gear, but this time for WWE.
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CM Punk is well known for his tongue-in-cheek references and nods to past events. It could simply be a coincidence, but given the 45-year-old's variety of gear and proclivity for stunts like this, it seems likely that Punk was providing an easter egg for eagle-eyed fans.
Wrestling veteran believes CM Punk got himself fired from AEW on purpose
Fans were shocked when news broke of CM Punk's second backstage altercation in less than a year at All In 2023. As we now know from AEW's release of the security footage, The Straight Edge Superstar confronted and attacked Jack Perry at the event last August due to a comment the latter had made during his match.
It might never be clear what was going through Punk's mind at that time, but wrestling veteran Dutch Mantell believes The Second City Saint attacked Perry with the intention of getting himself terminated. Speaking on Story Time with Dutch Mantell earlier this year, the legend said:
"I have said this before. I think this was all laid out way, way in advance. Punk was going to WWE come hell or high water. And I think he just wanted to be done with AEW. I think he wanted to get fired, I have said that before."
Punk ultimately returned to WWE at Survivor Series 2023. He managed to defeat his bitter rival, Drew McIntyre, in a Strap Match today, but whether that's the end of their feud remains to be seen.
