CM Punk's AEW run ended on a sour note. However, The Best in the World was able to participate in several dream matchups during his two-year stay with the Jacksonville-based promotion.
The Second City Saint had the opportunity to revisit his rivalries with old enemies like Joe Samoa and Jon Moxley. Additionally, Punk also had the chance to face exciting young stars like Darby Allin and mjf.
Unfortunately, CM Punk's departure in September 2023 deprived fans of several never-before-seen dream matches involving the Chicago native.
Before parting ways with The Best in the World, Tony Khan had a few exciting fights planned for Punk, which ultimately didn't happen. In this article, let's take a look at three AEW dream matches for CM Punk that were teased but didn't happen.
#3. Jay White faced CM Punk in a few tag team matches
After a ten-month hiatus from AEW television, CM Punk returned to the Tony Khan-led company on the first episode of Collision in June 2023. The Second City Saint engaged in Trios action during the inaugural episode of Collision, teaming up with FTR. to fight Jay White, Samoa Joe and Juice Robinson.
It was a night to forget for White's team, as Punk defeated Juice Robinson with a GTS to earn his team the victory. This is the start of a mini-feud between Bang Bang Gang and the allies of CM Punk, who will also recruit Ricky Starks afterwards.
Before their highly publicized tag team match, The Switchblade and The Best in the World took direct shots at each other during a backstage segment. The two teams eventually engaged in an intense competition a few days later, during which The Catalyst pinned Ricky Starks to earn a massive victory for his team.
The 50-50 booking seemed to be a hint at an upcoming singles rivalry between CM Punk and White Jay. The two stars had shown great chemistry in their previous tag team encounters, making the audience excited for a potential feud between them. Unfortunately, Tony Khan did not continue the Punk vs. Punk storyline. White, leaving fans in a state of disappointment.
#2. CM Punk & FTR vs. Kenny Omega and The Young Bucks Could Have Been a Blockbuster Rivalry
There have been several instances in professional wrestling where real enemies have put aside their egos to tell intriguing stories on television. When CM Punk made his first appearance since his infamous brawl with The Elite at All Out 2022, many fans expected the two sides to resolve their differences and build one of the biggest financial feuds in history from AEW.
Kenny Omega and The Young Bucks made their return to All Elite Wrestling in November 2022 after serving their respective suspensions. While the company was still dealing with the fallout from the infamous Brawl Out incident, that didn't stop the Elite trio from making subtle digs at The Best in the World.
The three allies took some indirect shots at CM Punk, with Omega even using the GTS during one of his matches in Chicago. The Second City Saint also didn't shy away from the verbal back-and-forth and took aim at The Elite during his promo on the first episode of Collision.
Although both sides laid the foundation for a blockbuster rivalry, there were no conversations between Punk and The Elite backstage. After The Voice of the Voiceless teamed up with FTR, many fans believed that a feud between CMFTR and The Elite was imminent.
Unfortunately, Punk was involved in a heated backstage brawl with Jack Perry at All In 2023, prompting TK to not be able to get Punk and The Elite on the same page as their dream feud could have bring a lot of attention to the AEW product.
#1. The Best in the World was set to face Hiroshi Tanahashi in 2022
Since leaving ROH in 2005, CM Punk had no opportunities to compete in interpromotional matches, as WWE was not collaborating with other companies at the time. However, CM Punk came close to feuding with an NJPW legend in 2022 in a rare dream match.
At Forbidden Door 2022, The Voice of the Voiceless was set to put their AEW World Championship on the line against Hiroshi Tanahashi. The Ace of the Universe challenged the world's best for this high-profile crossover event, just days after Punk won the prestigious title.
Unfortunately, Punk injured his foot a few weeks before Forbidden Door, prompting Tony Khan to abandon plans for his fight against Tanahashi. The 46-year-old star was eventually replaced by Jon Moxley, who defeated the NJPW legend to become the AEW interim world champion during the interpromotional pay-per-view.
Edited by Brandon Nell
#AEW #Dream #Matches #Punk #Teased #Didn39t #Happen
AEW ,