CM Punk debuted at AEW Rampage: The First Dance
CM Punk debuted at AEW Rampage
After months of rumors, confirmations and denials, the debut of CM Punk took place, in the Italian night, during AEW Rampage: The First Dance, the second episode of the second AEW TV show, Tony Khan's federation. There could not have been a better opportunity as the episode aired from a very sold out United Center from Chicago, Illinois, the wrestler's hometown.The debut of CM Punk to AEW Rampage: The First Dance
CM Punk's debut in AEW is equivalent to Lionel Messi's move from Barcelona to PSG or the double signing of two absolute goats such as Russell Westebrook and Carmelo Anthony at the Los Angeles Lakers. The Chicago native wrestler was greeted with a real ovation from the audience so much so that at one point his entrance music (Living Color's iconic Cult of Personality) was covered with chants praising his name:Obviously CM Punk made his debut with a long promo in which, with the frankness and skill that distinguish him on the microphone, he talked about his choice to leave the wrestling world 7 years ago, not sparing himself in more than one dig at the WWE and thus ideally reconnecting to the legendary Pipe Bomb, the promo in which, in 2011, he went online freewheeling, expressing all his frustration in working with the Stamford company. The promo in question then led him to win the WWE title at Money in the Bank the same year but also to a suspension and consequent dismissal, the real causes were also medical as the wrestler accused WWE of the failure to diagnose a dangerous staph infection.
CM Punk's debut is marked by a strong and clear message: competition and enthusiasm. Punk in fact underlined how for him the arrival in AEW is a real return to pro-wrestling that he had left in 2005, moving from the Ring of Honor to the WWE. Direct and perhaps decisive hit to the WWE whose product is therefore not judged as wrestling but pure and simple entertainment.
As proof of this CM Punk has already set his debut in the ring: next September 5th, again in that of Chicago, at ppv All Out where he will face one of the most promising talents of the AEW, Darby Allin!
AEW: a new wrestling experience
The AEW boasts a world-class and very diverse roster of male and female wrestlers and is therefore able to offer fans of the genre a new experience wrestling for the first time in 20 years. Founded by President and CEO Tony Khan, AEW is led by Cody Rhodes (son of the legendary Dusty), The Young Bucks (Matt & Nick Jackson - add their Funko POP! To your collection), Kenny Omega, Hangman Adam Page, Chris Jericho and Jon Moxley. Other incredibly skilled wrestlers also include Brian Cage, FTR, Hikaru Shida, Orange Cassidy, Matt Hardy, Nyla Rose, Brodie Lee, Jungle Boy, Dr. Britt Baker, Brandi Rhodes, MJF, Penta El Zero M, Rey Fenix and The Icon Sting (buy its new t-shirt on Amazon).Aiming for heart-pounding and impactful matches, AEW offers fans athleticism and sports stats. Wrestlers also have the freedom to express their personality and highlight their athletic abilities. Introducing stats to wrestling for the first time ever, the AEW raises the stakes for its matches and increases fan engagement by tracking the wins and losses of each wrestler on their path throughout the calendar year. >
CM Punk Finally Debuts On AEW Rampage
Wrestling's worst-kept secret is finally out. Following so many reports and rumors, and never a denial by anyone associated with AEW, former WWE Champion and UFC fighter CM Punk has debuted with the company. As expected, Punk made his first appearance on AEW's 'The First Dance' episode of Rampage, broadcasting live from Chicago, Illinois.
In Punk's inaugural AEW appearance, he shocked the world in the way only he can. Walking to the ring to his signature song, 'Cult of Personality' by Living Colour, Punk got easily the biggest crowd reaction in AEW history. What else would you expect from the ultimate hometown hero? When he finally took a microphone, he took a few veiled shots at WWE and claimed that he's not going anywhere. He also harkened back to his WWE promos, claiming everyone in the audience was getting a free ice cream car on their way out of the arena.
Punk also directly called out Darby Allin, who was hanging out in the rafter with Sting for some reason. According to Punk, he's in AEW to help, and Darby's first on the list. 'There's nothing more dangerous than wrestling CM Punk,' he said. 'Except wrestling CM Pung in Chicago.'
This was Punk's first appearance on a wrestling TV show since WWE Backstage on Fox Sports 1 announced it would no longer be a weekly series by June 2020. His last in-ring appearance was at WWE's 2014 Royal Rumble.
Now that he's back, AEW quickly shifted into Punk's first feud with Darby Allen that will culminate at the All Out PPV, which will also take place in the Chicagoland area. All Out will air live from the Now Arena--home to previous All Out events and the All In show that inspired the launch of AEW--on Saturday, September 5.
Thus far, a number of matches have already been confirmed for All Out. You can check out the card below.
