One former AEW World Champion described his relationship with CM Punk.
While Maxwell Jacob Friedman has been involved with multiple high-profile feuds in the short history of All Elite Wrestling, many regard his rivalry with CM Punk as one of the best. The interactions between the two stars sent the fans through a roller coaster of emotions, beginning with insults thrown at one another over Punk’s failed UFC career and MJF being described as a “less famous Miz.”
Friedman also cut a scathing promo against Punk, recalling a story from his youth where he was bullied and abused for being Jewish by the school football team. The crowd’s jeers turned to stunned silence as MJF recounted the anti-Semitic abuse he suffered and revealed that Punk was the only thing that made him carry on. However, Punk walked out of WWE, changing Friedman’s motivations to become the best wrestler in the world to spite Punk, not to show admiration for his former hero.
MJF defeated Punk in Chicago on an episode of Dynamite, but it was Punk who came out victorious when they faced off in a brutal dog collar match at Revolution in 2022.
What Does MJF Think Of CM Punk?
Speaking in a new interview with Casual Conversations, Friedman opened up about his relationship with Punk, saying Punk mentored him through hate.
“Yeah, I think I would use the word mentor through hate. I was mentored by probably two of the most intelligent guys in the business. One was through love, and one was through hate.”
Friedman also had high praise for both Kenny Omega, saying he’d love to face the former AEW Champion again.
“Kenny Omega was the best wrestler in the world, and then I beat him. I would love to do a rematch.”
The star was also asked his thoughts on Bryan Danielson, responding:
“Oh my God, genius, wrestling genius. Enough to beat me, though, but a wrestling genius.”
CM Punk was fired from AEW following his altercation with Jack Perry at All In. He has now returned to WWE and will face Drew McIntyre at SummerSlam.
h/t WrestlingNews.co