Matt Hardy has praised fellow AEW star CM Punk as one of the best wrestlers of all time.
During the first part of his career, CM Punk established a reputation was one of the best wrestlers on the planet. His work with Ring of Honor and WWE cementing his status as one of the very best around.
However, after a well-publicised fall-out with WWE in early 2014, Punk left the company and professional wrestling altogether. The former World Champion later embarked on a career in Mixed Martial Arts although that lasted only two fights.
Then despite claims that he would never wrestle again, CM Punk signed with AEW in August 2021, completing one of the most shocking comebacks ever in the history of this great sport.
Speaking on his Extreme Life of Matt Hardy podcast, the tag team legend reflected on Punk’s return, and why he believes his “Best in the World” moniker is more than just a catchphrase.
“I think it has been really really good for me, personally. I’m happy to see Punk back in wrestling,” Hardy said. “I think CM Punk is just a fantastic pro wrestler and I feel like he belongs in pro wrestling. I give him all the credit in the world for venturing out and doing MMA, UFC. That was amazing, I wouldn’t have done it even if I felt I could have. I wouldn’t have been that brave or courageous. It took a lot of courage for him to do that, but I’m happy he’s back in pro wrestling. When it comes to pro wrestling, that is just what he’s built for and made for.
“He is one of the greatest pro wrestlers of all-time and for him to come back to AEW, and be happy, and once again be fuelled by such great passion, and to have this great program with MJF and write these love letters to the legends who paved the way for him and all of us, has been great.
Punk just seems like he’s very happy to be back which is nice, and I know towards the end of his WWE run, he was just burnt out and miserable. It is easy for that to happen in this industry, especially if you end up in this weird space, so it’s great to see him back, and relaxed, and passionate, and in love with pro wrestling again.”
Since returning to the ring, Punk has competed in a string of box-office matches against the likes of Darby Allin and MJF. This impressive form has seen the star rise to the top of AEW’s rankings, making him the number one contender for Hangman Adam Page’s AEW World Championship.
It has been announced that the pair will meet with the gold on the line at Double or Nothing.
H/t to Wrestling Inc for the transcription.