CM Punk is back on top of the world as he claimed the AEW World Championship defeating Hangman Adam Page in the main event of Double or Nothing on Sunday night.
After his return in August, the road to get back to the top was a long one. And one many fans did not understand. However, despite all the criticism from the outside world about how he does not draw or is not a big-ticket guy, CM Punk sits at the top of the professional wrestling world once again.
#AndNew!!!
Your new #AEW World Champion is @CMPunk!#AEWDoN pic.twitter.com/NCOZf2nzKx
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) May 30, 2022
CM Punk The Best in the World
It has been 3,410 days since CM Punk last held a world title. That came in WWE, where he was the longest-reigning World Champion at the time. Though as Punk would say that was in the sports entertainment business. The last time he held a professional wrestling title was during his ROH days. Which is even longer than 3,410 days.
Ever since coming back to professional wrestling, CM Punk has made his way up the rankings. He has worked on Dynamite, Rampage, and every PPV show. And if you look at the numbers he has been the highest draw or segment on all those shows. Every PPV since his return has been a record buy rate because of CM Punk. So the time was right to put the title on him. Despite what others may say there is a reason why he is the Best in the World.
The Summer of Punk has officially begun 😤 @CMPunk is your AEW World Champion #ANDNEW #AEWDoN pic.twitter.com/4e294kbwzl
— AEW on TV (@AEWonTV) May 30, 2022
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It had been a long road for CM Punk to come back to professional wrestling. There was even some doubt he would ever return after this ugly split with WWE. Rumours had been swirling about a possible return to professional wrestling. And the only place he was going was AEW and he had made that clear too. But he also said he was done. But once AEW announced the First Dance in Chicago at the United Center, you knew he was coming back.
Nobody knew what to expect when the Best in the World returned to the ring. It took some time for Punk to get his bearings again in the ring. Punk did not enter the title picture for a while. He took on up and coming stars like Darby Allin, Powerhouse Hobbs, and Ricky Starks, before taking on a grizzled veteran like Eddie Kingston. Then of course Punk had probably the feud of the year with MJF. Those two put on some of the best mic work the wrestling world had seen in years.
During that feud is when Punk was making the gesture he wanted a shot at the title. And once AEW Revolution was over, he had his sights on Page and that title. Both wrestlers showed signs of turning heel, especially with their promo work, but neither did. Though at times during the match, both had opportunities too. But in the end Page’s conscience got the better of him, allowing Punk to get the victory.
CM Punk has come a long way since his first match in AEW. The rust is almost gone from the ring. He never lost it from his mic skills. Now all eyes look towards another Summer of Punk.
Summer of Punk
Those who have followed his career, know of the Summer of Punk. It came during his ROH days. Then returned again to WWE. Now AEW fans will get to see a Summer of Punk. And boy will they be in for a treat. CM Punk is one of the best of the modern era in professional wrestling. And now his champion just think of the fantasy booking especially with Forbidden Door coming up in Chicago in June.
Not to mention with Punk as champion, he will be at the forefront of every broadcast. Whether you agree or not, Tony Khan was right to put the belt on Punk as he can elevate the title like Chris Jericho, Jon Moxley, and Kenny Omega did. Nothing against Adam Page as champion, but his title reign was lacklustre no fault of his own. Page took a backseat to the roster of the roster shining bright.
But with Punk, people will want to tune in to see him. AEW did the right thing putting the title on CM Punk. This Summer of Punk is going to be like none of the others. As he told the fans after the show “You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet.”
