CM Punk made his AEW debut two years ago today in front of a roaring crowd at the United Center in Chicago. Fans were beside themselves as the former WWE Champion made his shocking return to wrestling after seven years away. But since that magical night, not a lot has gone to plan.
After a run of solid matches and a highly acclaimed feud with MJF, Punk faced "Hangman" Adam Page for the AEW World Championship at Double or Nothing 2022. Some fans were excited to see The Second City Saint capture the belt, and there was a buzz around the prospect of All Elite Wrestling enacting their own version of the legendary "Summer of Punk."
Unfortunately, things went downhill quickly. Punk was injured shortly after winning the title and spent two months on the shelf. Controversy followed him after his return as a real-life beef with Hangman became apparent. And then there was the infamous "Brawl Out" incident last September, after which the former WWE Superstar spent another nine months away.
Fans are reflecting on all that's happened after WrestlePurists noted that it's been two years since CM Punk's return to wrestling. One fan responded and claimed that despite all that happened afterward, The Second City Saint's victory over Hangman Page was euphoric.
However, not everyone felt euphoric. Several fans seized the opportunity to rip Punk's title win, AEW's booking of the angle, and the disastrous aftermath. Check out some of the reactions below:
Controversy is still following CM Punk after his move to AEW Collision
CM Punk made his return from injury in June of this year, nine months after his backstage scuffle with The Elite following All Out 2022. Yet despite being separated from Kenny Omega, Hangman Page, and The Young Bucks, problems still seem to be popping up backstage involving The Second City Saint.
Punk seems to have staked out his territory on Saturday nights and has reportedly barred certain talent from appearing on the show. Most notably, Punk had a confrontation with Ryan Nemeth backstage, and Nemeth was subsequently turned away from the arena when he arrived for a recent episode of AEW Collision.
Many fans are still hoping for the issues to be settled, with some even calling for CM Punk and FTR to face The Elite in a blockbuster angle. Whether that comes to fruition remains to be seen.