CM Punk Says AEW Debut Was ‘More Organic’ Than Previous WWE Return

Ever since his WWE departure in 2014, many fans had been praying to see CM Punk return to the pro wrestling world. Their prayers were answered on this week’s AEW Rampage: The First Dance as CM Punk debuted on the show. He was in talks with AEW for quite a long time as well.

CM Punk received a thunderous ovation from fans in his hometown of Chicago. Of course, CM Punk is more than used to having iconic moments in his hometown as he had a similar reaction during the 2011 Money In The Bank pay-per-view.

He defeated John Cena in the main event of the show for the WWE Championship, signalling a start to the new era in the company at that time.

While speaking during a media scrum after the conclusion of AEW Rampage: The First Dance, CM Punk compared his AEW debut with his Money In The Bank moment. Punk stated that his AEW debut was far more organic.

“This felt more organic. Everything I ever did prior to being here felt like a fight, and it kinda squeezed the life out of some stuff. This was a joyful moment that was just—it didn’t need to get overproduced, it didn’t need everybody’s input, it needed a few select people’s input and just an understanding that it’s pro wrestling, you know? You don’t need to slick it up and lacquer it, shine it up too much, it needed to be real. So, to compare the two moments, this one did not feel like a job.

CM Punk is already set to square off against Darby Allin at the AEW All Out Pay-Per-View on September 5. Before that he’ll also appear on next week’s episode of AEW Dynamite a it’s certainly an exciting time to a an AEW.

h/t toWrestleZone for the quotes.

What’s your take on this story? Sound off in the comments!