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CM Punk Defeats Samoa Joe, Retains 'Real' AEW World Title At AEW All In

Wrestling
Jeremy Lambert Aug 27, 2023 12:26PM

CM Punk is still the "Real" World Champion.

CM Punk retained the "Real" AEW World Title in the opening contest of AEW All In, defeating Samoa Joe.

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Punk finished off Joe with the Pepsi Plunge.

The bout featured callbacks to their ROH battles, tribute spots to Terry Funk (teeter totter and spinning toe hold), and spots referencing John Cena and Hulk Hogan.

CM Punk proclaimed himself to be the "Real" AEW World Champion on the July 29 episode of AEW Collision, noting he never lost the AEW World Title after winning it at AEW All Out 2022. Punk was sidelined after the event with an injury and was suspended for his role in a backstage altercation with Kenny Omega and the Young Bucks. As a result, he was stripped of his title. Punk spray painted an "X" over the title to add a custom spin.

This marks the second successful title defense of the "Real" World Title for Punk and his second straight victory over Joe after never being able to beat him in ROH.

Fans can find Fightful's coverage of AEW All In by clicking here. Check out the post-show podcast by clicking here.

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