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CM Punk Declares “I Am The Real World’s Champion” On AEW Collision

By John Canton • Published 30th July 2023
cm punk aew real world title

CM Punk revealed what was in his bag on AEW Collision, which led to the “Real World Championship” being put on the line next week.

When CM Punk returned to AEW television on the June 17th episode of Collision, it was the first time we had seen him on AEW TV since September 2022 when he won the World Title from Jon Moxley. Punk did a promo while also holding a red bag with something in it. The assumption was that it was the AEW World Title.

Due to CM Punk suffering a torn triceps that required surgery and the backstage fight that happened after All Out (arguably the biggest story in AEW last year), it was nine months until we saw Punk again.

On last night’s episode of Collision in Hartford, CM Punk finally revealed what was in the bag. It really was the AEW World Title that Punk never lost. Punk declared that “I am the real Worlds Champion.” Punk said that the title is still covered in his blood when he beat Jon Moxley and his name is on it. MJF is the current AEW World Champion that has held the championship since last November at Full Gear.

In addition to that, Punk also spray-painted a giant “X” on the championship. Punk said that the X has represented him since 1997 and represents the foundation that he has built his pro wrestling career on. Punk said that the X means he is straight edge and he’s better than you. Punk spoke about how this title belongs on Collision.

That promo from Punk would lead to Ricky Starks interrupting. Since Starks, who won the Owen Hart Foundation Tournament, has beaten Punk twice recently, he wanted a championship match against Punk.

After words were exchanged between the two men, it was announced that CM Punk will defend the “Real World’s Championship” against Starks next Saturday night, August 5th on AEW Collision. That’s a match that will be opposite the WWE SummerSlam Premium Live Event, which takes place on Saturday night.

The Punk-Starks will have a special outside official as well: WWE Hall of Famer and former NWA World’s Heavyweight Champion Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat.

CM Punk Also Mentioned AEW All In

During the promo on Collision, Punk also mentioned the AEW All In event in Wembley Stadium that takes place in less than one month’s time on Sunday, August 27th. There are over 70,000 tickets sold for the event, yet AEW hasn’t announced a single match for it. In fact, CM Punk mentioning All In on Collision is the first time a wrestler has even mentioned the show.

Even though CM Punk made it clear he’ll be in involved in the All In show in some capacity, nothing specific was announced as fans wonder when AEW might start announcing matches for that show.