CM Punk is the "real" World Champion, according to the championship belt he pulled out of his red bag.
Since returning to AEW on the June 17 episode of AEW Saturday Collision, CM Punk has carried around a red bag. While it was always strongly hinted that Punker was carrying around his AEW World Championship belt, Punk did not confirm that until July 29, when he finally pulled the belt out of the bag in an interview with Tony Schiavone.
Once CM Punk revealed the belt, he spray painted it with an X. Noting that the X has been his symbol since 1997, saying that it stands for straight edge and straight edge means "he's better than you."
CM Punk reiterated that he is the "real" World Champion, remarking that nobody has defeated him for the title since he defeated Jon Moxley and that his blood still stains the championship from his match with Moxley at AEW All Out 2022.
CM PUNK JUST REVEALED WHAT'S IN THE BAG!!!
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) July 30, 2023
Watch #AEWCollision LIVE on TNT!@CMPunk pic.twitter.com/pAixKKlzRh
CM Punk also mentioned AEW All In in Wembley Stadium, noting that his plans would be solidified soon.
However, just because CM Punk has not been defeated for the World Championship does not mean he has not been beaten since returning.
By hook or by crook, Ricky Starks has scored two consecutive victories over CM Punk, once in a singles match in the finals of the Owen Hart Foundation Memorial Cup Tournament and once in a tag team match with Darby Allin taking the pin from Ricky Starks on the July 22 AEW Collision.
Because of this, Starks came out to challenge CM Punk for his championship, and a title match was made for August 5, 2023. However, due to Ricky's recent pension for cheating, there will be a special outside enforcer during Punk and Starks' next bout. This official is not only no stranger to CM Punk but also no stranger to the Carolinas, as it will be Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat.
Next Saturday, 8/5
— Tony Khan (@TonyKhan) July 30, 2023
Greenville, SC#AEWCollision
Live on TNT at 8pm ET/7pm CT
Special Outside Official:
Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat@CMPunk vs @starkmanjones
Next Saturday, CM Punk defends what he's dubbed The Real World Championship vs. 2023 Owen Hart Cup winner Ricky Starks! pic.twitter.com/3e7Y4WELrF
Fans can see the full card for August 5 below:
AEW Collision (8/5)
- Real World Championship: CM Punk (c) vs. Ricky Starks (Ricky Steamboat will enforce from ringside)
Fans can follow along with our complete coverage of Saturday Collision here. Also, check out our review podcast after the show, which is presented ad-free courtesy of Fightful Select.
