CM Punk is back, and he's tired of being nice.
CM Punk kicked off the debut episode of AEW Saturday Collision on June 17 with a hero's welcome from inside the United Center in Chicago. However, unlike his original debut in 2021, there was no time to soak in the moment. Pepsi Phil got right down to business.
CM Punk came out with his wrestling boots around his neck and a red bag. While he never officially opens the bag, he alludes to it carrying his AEW World Title Belt that he never lost in 2022. He said it will belong to him until someone actually beats him for it and says that for anyone who feels they are owed an apology, he's sorry that the only people "more soft than they are, are their favorite wrestlers."
Punk also claimed Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav calls him, "One Bill Phil." That's because he's the "one true bill in an industry of counterfeit bucks."
The theme of Punk's promo was "tell me when I'm telling lies," claiming that he's always spoken the truth, he is the truth, and the truth is painful. Punk previously used the "tell me when I'm telling lies" theme on his August 17 AEW Dynamite promo when he returned from foot injury.
.@CMPunk isn't sorry.
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) June 18, 2023
Watch #AEWCollision LIVE on TNT! pic.twitter.com/XCLCJ1R6wc
Who's going to take @CMPunk's bag?
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) June 18, 2023
Watch #AEWCollision LIVE on TNT! pic.twitter.com/InbNqy7eK7
Punk is still scheduled to main event the debut episode of Collision alongside FTR. It will be his first match since AEW All Out 2022, when he defeated Jon Moxley for the AEW World Title but suffered a torn triceps.
He was then suspended from AEW for his post-show statements and involvement in a brawl with Kenny Omega and The Young Bucks (Matt Jackson and Nick Jackson).
Fans can keep up with our live coverage of the first episode of AEW Saturday Collision at this link. Also, check out our review podcast on YouTube after the show.
