According to John Cena, CM Punk was no longer a “punk,” he was a “capitalist.” These words were directed at the Chicago native by The Franchise Player before their Night of Champions clash.
The Best in the World is arguably the wrestler with the most loyal fan base in the industry currently. Before his shocking return to WWE nearly two years ago, Punk’s passion for wrestling was reignited by AEW. The Second City Saint resurfaced in a wrestling ring in Tony Khan’s promotion in 2021 and stayed for two years.
During this time, Punk was highly regarded by Khan, as WWE legend Matt Hardy recalled.
Matt Hardy Feels CM Punk Stopped Him From Making An Appearance On AEW TV
On his podcast, The Extreme Life of Matt Hardy on YouTube, the veteran discussed his relationship with Punk.
While he admitted not being able to see eye to eye with The Straight Edge Superstar at all times, he also acknowledged that the WWE star was a talented individual. Hardy recounted an incident when Khan wanted to use him on AEW TV, but in a matter of hours, the decision was retracted. He doesn’t know what exactly went down, but he alleged that Punk might have had something to do with it.
[Tony Khan] held [CM Punk] in really high-regard, as far as booking goes,” Hardy recalled. “Someone stopped [my appearance on AEW Collision] from happening, and I couldn’t imagine it as someone besides Punk, because Punk was going to be there. That was his show, right? I don’t know that for a fact, just spitting it out there.”
Hardy suspected foul play because Khan had reiterated earlier that he wanted the former tag champion on TV that night. However, he got a call a few hours later, informing him that they did not need his services for the tapings that night.
Meanwhile, Punk challenged Cena for the Undisputed WWE Title at Night of Champions on June 28, but lost. It remains to be seen what is next for The Best in the World.