CM Punk’s WWE Title Win Did NOT Force AEW To Make Major Move – Reports

According to recent rumors, AEW had to take a major step to overshadow CM Punk’s recent title victory in WWE.

After months of absence, Punk returned to WWE on the July 6 edition of WWE Raw, where he was revealed as Sami Zayn’s mystery opponent for the Undisputed WWE Championship. He beat Zayn to become the new champion.

Just two days later, Kenny Omega defeated MJF to win the AEW World Title at AEW Dynamite Beach Break. Following Omega’s title win, rumors started circulating online that AEW planned a title change to outdo CM Punk’s title win on Raw.

Fightful Select recently released a report addressing the matter, claiming the rumors are false. In fact, AEW had planned Kenny Omega’s title victory for months in advance, even before Sami Zayn won the title at Night of Champions in June.

There was a talking point that AEW did their title change on TV to “steal thunder” from CM Punk’s title win. It was reiterated repeatedly this wasn’t the case. Kenny Omega has been planned to win the world title from MJF for months.

The alternative was Omega not challenging for the world title again, which was not a move that AEW was looking to execute. The plan for the match on AEW TV was set before the Sami Zayn title win even happened. [H/ T Fightful]

AEW Veteran Wishes CM Punk Was Still In AEW

AEW’s Jim Ross recently commented on CM Punk’s 8th World Championship win in WWE on his Grilling JR podcast. He praised Punk as a valuable talent and hoped that WWE continues to use him regularly on TV.

I prefer his work with him having an edge. If the edge is ascribed to the level that he is not liked, he’s going to be a heel, then so be it. I don’t have a problem with that. As long as Punk is featured, then I’m happy, as long as he doesn’t disappear off the face of the wrestling earth. He’s valuable talent. He can be a great heel or a great babyface, and he’s another guy that’s in our reliable category.”

He then admitted that he wished CM Punk was still in AEW.

“I wish we still had him at AEW. He made things lively around that place. He kept it interesting.”

Before returning to WWE, CM Punk worked in AEW from August 2021 to September 2023.