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As CM Punk prepares to wrestle his first televised singles WWE match in years, many, including the legendary Tommy Dreamer, hope the former AEW star will have a solid showing. While he's had two house show matches against Dominik Mysterio, Punk has not competed inside the WWE ring since Royal Rumble 2024.
In this year's Men's Royal Rumble Match, Punk was one of the final two survivors alongside Cody Rhodes. The former world champion, however, suffered an untimely injury that has kept him out of action ever since. WWE has continued to build his storyline with Drew McIntyre, and they will finally have their match at SummerSlam, with Seth Rollins as the special guest referee.
While discussing the upcoming match on Busted Open After Dark, Tommy Dreamer explained why he was backing Punk to have one of his career-best performances.
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Unlike Drew McIntyre, who prayed for Punk's injury in kayfabe, Tommy Dreamer wanted Punk to be fit and healthy, ensuring a long and consistent run with WWE.
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"It's about to be about the further distance we go. I know for myself how Drew McIntyre prayed that CM Punk got hurt. I'm praying CM Punk has one of the best performances of his career. Why? Because I don't want to see CM Punk get hurt. I'm his friend. Not just because I'm his friend, but CM Punk has all the intangibles that you look for in a WWE Superstar." [7:10 - 7:32]
Tommy Dreamer says CM Punk is a talent that every top company would want to invest in
CM Punk's years-long absence from pro wrestling didn't stop fans from chanting his name at shows. The Second City Saint's return to AEW started well, but unfortunately for all involved parties, his eventful tenure at the company ended horribly.
Punk is now back in the company he walked out of a decade ago, and it's evidently a different atmosphere backstage in WWE.
Tommy Dreamer put over Punk as a talent who has proven to sell a large amount of tickets and merchandise, and although he might be controversial, there aren't many performers in the business like Phil Brooks.
All things considered, the 53-year-old believed Punk was the ideal WWE Superstar:
"He has that 'it' factor. He has the numbers to prove that, 'Hey man, this guy is a draw. This guy is something that you want to invest in.' He is controversial; he said it in his promo, for ten years, I haven't been there, and you people chanted my name, which results in people chanting his name," Dreamer added. [From 7:33 onwards]
Punk and McIntyre have made each other's lives miserable in recent times. While SummerSlam might just be the beginning of a series of matches, the upcoming WWE Premium Live Event will be watched by many fans eager to see The Second City Saint wrestle.
If you use any quotes from this article, please credit Busted Open After Dark and give an H/T to Sportskeeda Wrestling for the transcription.
