Reliving CM Punk's Historic Championship Reigns in AEW: Key Highlights and Impact

Nov 6, 2025 by pinkandtrash.com 19 views

Reliving CM Punk’s Historic Championship Reigns in AEW: Key Highlights and Impact

When CM Punk made his earth-shattering return to professional wrestling in August 2021, joining All Elite Wrestling (AEW), it sent seismic waves through the industry. Fans had waited seven long years for the “Best in the World” to step back into the squared circle, and his arrival ignited a new era of unprecedented excitement for AEW. His journey in the company was a whirlwind of memorable matches, intense rivalries, and ultimately, two reigns as AEW World Champion. This article delves into the crucial moments and AEW highlights of CM Punk’s championship saga, examining his path to gold, his impactful defenses, and the controversies that indelibly shaped his legacy within the promotion.

From his very first appearance on AEW Rampage: The First Dance in his hometown of Chicago, the atmosphere was electric. The sheer anticipation surrounding his return translated into massive viewership and an undeniable surge in fan interest. Punk’s initial feuds were carefully crafted to reintroduce him to a modern audience while showcasing his veteran prowess. His rivalry with Darby Allin, culminating in a stellar match at All Out 2021, proved he hadn’t lost a step. Subsequent programs with Eddie Kingston and, most notably, MJF, built incredible storytelling and emotional depth, culminating in some of the most highly-praised segments and matches in AEW history. The program with MJF, in particular, was a masterclass in character work and long-term booking, positioning Punk as a main event player ready to challenge for the top prize. These early AEW highlights set the stage, demonstrating that CM Punk’s championship aspirations were not just a dream, but an inevitable reality waiting to unfold.

The First Reign: Dominance Crowned at Double or Nothing 2022

The culmination of CM Punk’s journey back to the pinnacle of professional wrestling arrived at Double or Nothing on May 29, 2022. In a highly anticipated main event, Punk challenged “Hangman” Adam Page for the AEW World Championship. The build-up to this contest was steeped in a narrative of respect, pressure, and the immense expectations placed upon both men. Page, a beloved champion, was defending against the man considered by many to be one of the greatest of his generation, making the stakes incredibly high. The match itself was a superb display of technical wrestling, psychology, and dramatic near-falls, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats. Page, fueled by the burden of his reign, pushed Punk to his limits, but ultimately, it was the veteran’s grit and determination that prevailed. CM Punk hit the GTS (Go To Sleep) to secure the victory, capturing the AEW World Championship for the very first time in his AEW tenure.

This victory was a monumental AEW highlight, not just for Punk but for the company as a whole. It symbolized the successful integration of a global superstar and validated the faith placed in him by fans and management. His first CM Punk championship reign began with significant fanfare, promising a new era for the title. Fans eagerly awaited to see how Punk, now the champion, would carry the belt and define his legacy within AEW. The initial weeks saw him cut impassioned promos, reinforcing his commitment to the company and his role as its top champion. His presence immediately elevated the championship’s prestige, drawing more eyes to the product and reaffirming AEW’s position as a legitimate alternative in professional wrestling. The narrative of his redemption arc was complete, at least for the moment, as he stood atop the mountain once more. The initial period of his reign showcased the “Best in the World” in his element, holding the gold he had worked tirelessly to achieve.

Memorable Defenses and the Road to Forbidden Door

During his inaugural run as AEW World Champion, CM Punk embarked on a series of compelling title defenses that further solidified his standing and added to the AEW highlights reel. While his reign was unfortunately cut short by injury, the matches he had were impactful. One notable program involved a series of encounters with Hiroshi Tanahashi, the legendary “Ace of the Universe” from New Japan Pro-Wrestling. This dream match, originally slated for Forbidden Door, generated tremendous global buzz, showcasing the burgeoning partnership between AEW and NJPW. Fans were salivating at the prospect of Punk, a global icon, clashing with Tanahashi, a symbol of puroresu excellence. The anticipation alone was a major draw, underscoring the championship’s significance under Punk’s stewardship.

However, fate intervened in an unfortunate turn of events. Just weeks after winning the title, Punk announced on AEW Rampage that he had sustained a foot injury, requiring surgery and forcing him to step away from active competition. This was a devastating blow to his momentum and to the plans for his championship reign. While he did not officially vacate the title at that moment, an interim AEW World Championship was introduced, to be decided in his absence. This period, though brief, underscored the fragility of a championship reign and the unpredictability inherent in professional wrestling. Despite the injury, the excitement generated by his championship win and the promise of his eventual return kept fans engaged. The thought of CM Punk’s championship run continuing, even with an interim champion holding the fort, maintained a connection with the fanbase, who eagerly awaited the day he would return to unify the titles.

A Brief Interruption: Injury, Vacation, and the Unforeseen Return

CM Punk’s foot injury in June 2022 was a significant setback that immediately halted the momentum of his first AEW World Championship reign. The severity of the injury necessitated surgery, leading to a period of extended recovery. While Punk initially expressed a desire not to officially vacate the title, the practicalities of a top champion being sidelined for an unknown duration led AEW to establish an interim championship. This decision ensured that the company’s top prize remained active and defended, maintaining competitive integrity during Punk’s absence. Jon Moxley emerged as the interim AEW World Champion, defeating Hiroshi Tanahashi at Forbidden Door and going on to defend the title against various challengers, carrying the torch while Punk recuperated.

During this time, speculation ran rampant about Punk’s return, and whether he would come back as the same dominant force. The landscape of AEW evolved, with Moxley establishing himself as a formidable champion. Then, in a truly shocking and unexpected twist, CM Punk made his triumphant return to AEW television on August 10, 2022, confronting Moxley during a segment on Dynamite. This return was not just a comeback; it was a defiant statement, setting the stage for a unification match to determine the undisputed AEW World Champion. The build-up was intense, highlighting Moxley’s grit and Punk’s hunger to reclaim what he believed was rightfully his. The narrative was simple yet powerful: two champions, one belt. The excitement around this impending clash was palpable, as fans anticipated a true main event spectacle that would add another layer to AEW highlights and the story of CM Punk’s championship journey. This sudden return created a surge of energy, promising a dramatic resolution to the interim championship saga and a high-stakes encounter for the unified title.

The Second Reign: All Out 2022 and Its Tumultuous Aftermath

The highly anticipated unification match between CM Punk and interim AEW World Champion Jon Moxley was initially slated for All Out 2022. However, in a surprising turn of events, AEW booked the unification match on the August 24, 2022, episode of Dynamite. In a shocking and dominant display, Jon Moxley quickly defeated CM Punk in a squash match, becoming the undisputed AEW World Champion. This outcome left fans stunned and confused, particularly given the magnitude of Punk’s return and his previous championship reign. However, this was merely a setup for the larger drama that was to unfold. The stage was reset for All Out, where Punk, still reeling from his humiliating loss, challenged Moxley to a rematch for the AEW World Championship.

At All Out 2022, on September 4, 2022, in his hometown of Chicago, CM Punk once again rose to the occasion, defeating Jon Moxley in a hard-fought battle to reclaim the AEW World Championship for a second time. The victory was momentous, signifying his resilience and ability to overcome adversity. The crowd erupted as Punk stood tall, holding the gold aloft, seemingly cementing his place at the top of AEW once more. This second CM Punk championship win was, in itself, a significant AEW highlight, showcasing his ability to draw monumental reactions and deliver on the big stage. However, the euphoria of this victory was incredibly short-lived, overshadowed by events that transpired immediately after the show. What followed his triumphant win would plunge AEW into its most significant period of internal strife and controversy, forever linking his second title reign with an infamous incident that shook the company to its core.

The “Brawl Out” Incident and Its Profound Impact

While CM Punk’s second AEW World Championship victory at All Out 2022 was a crowning moment in the ring, it was the events that unfolded backstage after the pay-per-view that would etch this period into wrestling history as one of the most tumultuous. During the post-show media scrum, Punk launched into an unprecedented tirade, openly criticizing AEW Executive Vice Presidents The Young Bucks and Kenny Omega (collectively known as The Elite), as well as his former friend and colleague Colt Cabana. His comments were incendiary and deeply personal, revealing deep-seated backstage tensions and frustrations that had been simmering for months.

This explosive press conference quickly escalated into a physical altercation backstage, infamously dubbed the “Brawl Out.” Reports indicated that Punk, along with his friend and trainer Ace Steel, engaged in a violent confrontation with The Elite. The details of the brawl are still debated, but its existence is undeniable. The immediate fallout was catastrophic: CM Punk suffered a legitimate triceps injury during his match, further complicating matters. More significantly, Punk, Steel, The Young Bucks, and Kenny Omega were all suspended indefinitely, and the AEW World Championship was vacated less than a week after Punk had won it. The AEW World Trios Championship, held by The Elite, was also vacated. The “Brawl Out” incident cast a long, dark shadow over what should have been a celebratory period for AEW. It led to a massive internal investigation, significant behind-the-scenes restructuring, and deeply impacted the company’s morale and public perception. The controversy not only cut short CM Punk’s championship reign but also led to his prolonged absence from the company, eventually resulting in his termination nearly a year later. This period stands as a stark reminder of how quickly in-ring triumphs can be overshadowed by backstage drama, profoundly affecting the trajectory of AEW highlights and the careers of those involved.

The Enduring Legacy of CM Punk’s AEW Championship Era

Despite the abrupt and controversial end to his time as AEW World Champion, CM Punk’s championship era undeniably left an indelible mark on All Elite Wrestling. His arrival alone in 2021 was a monumental moment, injecting an unparalleled level of excitement and mainstream attention into the fledgling promotion. For a period, he was the hottest act in professional wrestling, driving record viewership for AEW Rampage and significantly boosting ticket sales wherever he appeared. His initial feuds, particularly the masterfully crafted storyline with MJF, produced some of the most compelling and critically acclaimed storytelling in AEW’s history, elevating the company’s narrative prowess and demonstrating its capability to produce long-term, engaging feuds. These were genuine AEW highlights that captured the imagination of the wrestling world.

His two reigns as AEW World Champion, though relatively short and ultimately overshadowed by controversy, brought a certain gravitas and prestige to the title. When CM Punk held the belt, it felt like the most important championship in wrestling. His presence in the main event picture naturally commanded attention, positioning AEW as a legitimate global player in sports entertainment. He undoubtedly helped attract new viewers to the product, converting casual fans into dedicated followers, eager to see what the “Best in the World” would do next. While the “Brawl Out” incident and its aftermath led to his departure, it doesn’t erase the impact he had during his active tenure. Punk’s championship era was a period of both unforgettable highs and profound lows, showcasing the thrilling potential of AEW while also exposing the challenges of managing a roster of strong personalities. His time in AEW, particularly his championship runs, will forever be debated, but its significance in the company’s early history is beyond dispute, leaving behind a complex and multifaceted legacy that continues to resonate.

Conclusion: A Chapter of Unparalleled Intensity and Unforeseen Turns

In reflection, CM Punk’s championship journey in AEW was a chapter filled with unparalleled intensity, immense expectations, and ultimately, unforeseen turns. From his electrifying return that revitalized fan interest to his two reigns as AEW World Champion, Punk brought a level of star power and mainstream appeal that profoundly impacted the company’s trajectory. His matches, particularly his rivalry with MJF and his championship encounters, delivered numerous AEW highlights that will be remembered for their storytelling and in-ring quality. He undeniably helped elevate the AEW World Championship to a new level of prominence, making it feel like the undisputed top prize in professional wrestling.

However, the story of his championship runs is incomplete without acknowledging the controversies, most notably the infamous “Brawl Out” incident, which truncated his second reign and led to his eventual departure. This period serves as a stark reminder of the volatile nature of professional wrestling, where in-ring glory can quickly be overshadowed by backstage drama. Despite the contentious ending, the early parts of Punk’s AEW career, especially his pursuit and initial holding of the championship, represent a golden age of engagement and excitement for the promotion. CM Punk’s championship legacy in AEW is a complex tapestry woven with threads of triumph, drama, and disappointment. It is a testament to his enduring appeal and polarizing presence, solidifying his place as one of the most influential, albeit controversial, figures in modern wrestling history. His championship reigns, brief as they were, carved out a significant and unforgettable niche in the annals of AEW, contributing to its identity and defining a pivotal era for the company.