3 biggest missed opportunities with CM Punk in AEW
CM Punk will forever be remembered as one of the greatest to ever graced the squared circle. Not only is he an impeccable in-ring performer but also a force to be reckoned with there is a microphone in his hand.
The 45-year-old is currently signed with WWE. In the past, Punk and the Stamford-based company had numerous disagreements, however, it seems like they have buried the hatchet and are now determined to give wrestling fans something to cherish. He is currently in a captivating feud with former WWE Champion Drew McIntyre and is scheduled to lock horns with him in a singles match at SummerSlam 2024.
Punk made his WWE return in November of last year. Interestingly, before that, he was signed with their rival promotion, AEW. The three-time World Heavyweight Champion's journey in the Jacksonville-based promotion was complicated and a subject of intense discussion among wrestling enthusiasts.
His relationship with the company was initially stable, but as months passed, problems began arising. He had conflicts with some people employed by the company and a backstage altercation with Jack Perry proved to be the final nail in the coffin.
Even though Punk's AEW run was not too shabby as he managed to win the World Championship twice, the Tony Khan-led company could have certainly made better use of a global star like him.
Here are three of the biggest missed opportunities with CM Punk in AEW.
AEW could have booked CM Punk vs. Kenta (GTS vs. GTS)
NJPW star KENTA is known for his in-ring innovation and hard-hitting style. His finisher is the GTS, which was reportedly created by him. Interestingly, CM Punk has been using the GTS as his finisher for years.
Long-time fans of both wrestlers are aware that KENTA is not very pleased that Punk uses a move created by him as his finisher. Even though Punk has admitted that he adopted the move from the 43-year-old, the latter has called out the former AEW World Champion several times in the past, sometimes jokingly, but other times, seriously.
AEW could have used the real-life animosity between the two stars and booked a showdown between them. KENTA even briefly performed in the Tony Khan-led company before Punk showed up, however, he never appeared again after that.
AEW failed to bring AJ Lee back to the squared circle
CM Punk is married to three-time WWE Divas Champion, AJ Lee. The 37-year-old is a cult favorite among wrestling fans and is popular all across the globe. Even though she is technically retired, anything can happen in the industry.
Some fans believe that AEW did not try hard enough to bring AJ Lee out of retirement. Had they succeeded, she would have easily become one of the biggest attractions of the promotion and certainly become AEW Women's World Champion.
AEW did not give fans CM Punk vs. Kenny Omega
Just like CM Punk, Kenny Omega is a generational talent. The 40-year-old has performed across multiple promotions across the globe and has won numerous titles throughout the years. Furthermore, just like Punk, he is a former AEW World Champion.
A showdown between these two wrestlers was on the bingo cards of many fans when Punk joined AEW, but that did not turn out to be the case.