"MJF return to cost Punk titles?" Twitter erupts as AEW announces Jon Moxley vs. CM Punk to unify the titles next week
AEW gave it their best go at breaking the internet when they announced Jon Moxley vs. CM Punk for the Undisputed World Championship next week on Dynamite.
It had been expected that Moxley vs. Punk would be the main event for All Out, but during Dynamite, it was announced that the pair would instead face off next week on weekly TV.
The announcement understandably provoked an eruption of various emotions from fans on Twitter. Let's take a look at a few reactions to it:
This fan made it clear that they felt throwing Mox vs. Punk out on TV so early after CM Punk's return is an impulsive step on AEW's behalf.
@xnormalxoxo Throwing the Punk/Moxley match on standard television after like one show of build up is the definition of hitting the panic button 😭😭
Another suggested that Warner Discovery wanted an improvement in TV ratings.
@JobberNationTV We getting Punk vs Moxley on tv , Discovery wants tv ratings up
This fan had no issues with a match of that magnitude featuring on Dynamite.
AEW Undisputed World Championship Jon Moxley vs CM Punk Next Wednesday on Dynamite instead of ALL OUT???!! I’m not mad WE GETTING THIS ON FREE TV CANNOT WAIT WE EATING!🔥🔥🔥 #AEWDynamite https://t.co/LuR2TApcMt
As shown below, there were some who felt indifferent towards the announcement and questioned the long-term thinking behind it.
Really not sure how I feel about Punk vs Moxley taking place next week instead of #AEWAllOut. Feels somewhat short sighted, but that was a great episode. #AEWDynamite
A fan below mooted the idea that MJF could make his own long-awaited return to confront the former WWE stars.
Punk.. Moxley.. 2 ex WWE guys fighting to determine the AEW Undisputed Champion next week?! This screams MJF returning! #AEWDYNAMITE https://t.co/LbYmCrCY0N
Another fan shown below added to the MJF return sentiment.
If Punk and Moxley are seriously wrestling each other next week then I have to imagine MJF shows up at the end to set up something for All Out??? That’s my only explanation. Or we get a goofy DQ. #AEWDynamite
As shown below, there were some who even felt MJF will take the title when he returns.
Whether CM Punk or Jon Moxley wins next week, MJF will take the title away from both of these guys at All Out
There were bold comparisons to WCW, with more fans questioning the decision-making to throw Mox vs Punk on TV.
AEW moving Cm Punk vs Jon Moxley to a random Wednesday instead of one their big PPVS is a late WCW move.
😳😬😳😬
An interesting idea touted below was for Punk to face his original Forbidden Door opponent, Hiroshi Tanahashi.
Punk vs. Moxley not on PPV means what for All Out? Punk vs. MJF? Tanahashi? It has to be a box office guy to push the unification match up. #AEWDynamite
Another suggestion that stood out was for Punk's Full Gear 2021 rival Eddie Kingston to muscle in on the title scene.
@SeanRossSapp Punk v Eddie at All Out? Giving Eddie the heroes welcome at Arthur Ashe?
Another felt as though MJF was likely to take the unified gold.
@SeanRossSapp MJF return to cost Punk titles?
In more fantasy booking, a fan suggested the called-out former world champion Hangman Page get involved to set up a three-way at AEW All Out.
@SeanRossSapp Either Hangman gets involved to make it a triple threat or it sets up a stipulation match at all out. Both work for All Out, curious how they get there tho
This fan was on that same wavelength.
@SeanRossSapp @elclass_king Starting to think that the Call out to Adam Page wasn’t random now…
This fan compared AEW's announcement to the time Hulk Hogan vs. Goldberg was announced for WCW Nitro.
@SeanRossSapp Reminds me of JJ Dillon announcing Hulk Hogan vs Goldberg on next week's WCW Nitro.
There were countless reactions to the announcement. While some fans felt that getting the clash on free TV was another example of AEW Dynamite promising a blockbuster card. There were also those who were concerned over the main event of All Out since Punk vs. Mox had been expected.
Eddie Kingston, MJF, and Hangman Page were all earmarked as potential names to get involved, either in the title clash next week or in the lead-in to All Out, with the main event now completely up in the air.
You can check out the full results of AEW Dynamite HERE.
What did you think of the blockbuster announcement? Shades of WCW, scents of MJF involvement, or something else? Let us know in the comments below.