On the two-year anniversary of CM Punk's debut, fans trash AEW's failed Summer of Punk

It hasn
It hasn't been an easy road for CM Punk

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:

This fan blamed the wrestling gods for what followed Punk's title win
This fan blamed the wrestling gods for what followed Punk's title win
This fan feels that Page should have kicked out of the GTS, given the aftermath
This fan feels that Page should have kicked out of the GTS, given the aftermath
This fan is bitter over Punk beating two of AEW's top stars for the title
This fan is bitter over Punk beating two of AEW's top stars for the title
This fan enjoyed the match but regrets how the failed Summer of Punk changed the perception of the company
This fan enjoyed the match but regrets how the failed Summer of Punk changed the perception of the company
This fan felt insulted by Tony Khan's booking
This fan felt insulted by Tony Khan's booking

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.

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Edited by Jeevak Ambalgi
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