CM Punk AEW promo battles are remembered for their raw intensity and unpredictable twists, with the former WWE Champion’s time in All Elite Wrestling from 2021 to 2023 producing some of the most confrontational moments on live television. Over the course of his AEW run, Punk engaged in fierce verbal fights that left both audiences and rivals stunned, cementing his legacy as one of the most controversial figures in modern pro wrestling.
The Rivalry That Redefined AEW Storytelling: CM Punk vs. MJF
When CM Punk and MJF confronted each other in late 2021, their feud quickly captivated the AEW fanbase. December of that year saw “The Best in The World” square off with MJF, famously dubbed “The Salt of The Earth,” in a war of words that drew on personal history and industry-wide references. The tension escalated when MJF mocked CM Punk’s famous pipebomb promo from 2011, ridiculed his foray into UFC, and dismissed his AEW match history as uninspiring. The crowd in Chicago erupted as Punk insulted MJF with the line “less famous Miz,” triggering a spirited response from his opponent.
Ignoring the partisanship of the Chicago fans, MJF pressed forward, attacking Punk’s persona as a rebel, and accused him of imitating John Cena. He bluntly stated that Punk was now a company man, a far cry from the anti-establishment figure he once portrayed. As the insults escalated, MJF taunted Punk by saying he would always be overshadowed by the likes of Triple H, John Cena, and “The Devil” himself.
This confrontation did more than elevate their feud—it pushed MJF to new heights, proving he could match wits with one of wrestling’s premier talkers, and set the tone for AEW’s handling of promo segments.
Emotions Run High: Heated Exchanges with Eddie Kingston
Another unforgettable chapter unfolded as CM Punk clashed with Eddie Kingston ahead of their match at Full Gear 2021. Their run-in on the November 5 episode of Rampage was marked by overlapping interruptions and personal insults, escalating the atmosphere in the arena within moments. Kingston accused Punk of being “narcissistic and self-centered,” dredging up history from their time sharing a locker room when, according to Kingston, Punk had been judgmental toward him.
Punk bit back, admonishing Kingston for disappointing colleagues and wrestling legends who had placed their faith in him. The former Continental Champion, stung by Punk’s criticism, fired a stinging retort face-to-face, telling him that no AEW wrestler had welcomed Punk into the Tony Khan-led promotion. Frustration bubbling, Kingston boldly challenged Punk to a bout at Full Gear 2021. After their challenge was accepted, Kingston didn’t miss the opportunity to deliver another dig, suggesting Punk should leave professional wrestling once more after their contest concluded.
Their segment didn’t end with words alone. The two soon descended into a brawl, igniting the live crowd in St. Louis and setting the scene for their explosive match.
Legacy and Leadership: CM Punk vs. Jon Moxley
Throughout the summer of 2022, anticipation grew as Jon Moxley and CM Punk’s paths crossed. Moxley, long regarded as a pillar of AEW, was holding the main event scene steady as the Interim AEW World Champion while Punk recovered from a foot injury. The inevitable collision came in August on Dynamite, with the two entering a tense promo showdown. Moxley attacked Punk’s credibility, labeling him a “loudmouth individual” unable to live up to his boasts, and questioned Punk’s real motivations for joining AEW, hinting at financial incentives rather than passion.
Punk retaliated with biting sarcasm, making light of Moxley’s habit of bleeding during matches and referencing his role as the “third-best member” of The Shield, the group they both once belonged to in WWE. The exchange quickly escalated from words to physicality, with a wild in-ring fight requiring intervention from AEW officials to restore order. The week following their confrontation, Moxley decisively defeated Punk on Dynamite to claim the Undisputed AEW World Title, later describing Punk as having
“a fragile ego, a fragile body, a weak mind, and a weak spirit.”
Despite Punk regaining the championship at All Out 2022, he never recovered the narrative momentum, highlighting the lasting impact of his feud with
“The Ace of All Elite Wrestling.”
Turbulence at the Top: The Controversial War with Hangman Page
CM Punk’s intense feud with Hangman Page stands out as both a storyline and real-life turning point for AEW. As Punk set his sights on Page’s AEW World Title in mid-2022, the rivalry was initially billed as a showcase between two popular faces of the company. However, the atmosphere shifted unexpectedly during a May edition of Dynamite, when Hangman Page strayed from the agreed promo script. Hangman publicly accused Punk of politicking backstage and fostering tensions with AEW talent, directly challenging Punk’s public persona as an advocate for workers’ rights.
Punk, left blindsided by Page’s unscripted remarks, struggled to respond in the escalating segment. Hangman presented Punk as the story’s antagonist and promised to defend AEW from what he painted as a looming internal threat, further complicating company politics. The Cowboy’s accusations and willingness to go off-script not only cast Punk in a negative light but triggered a surge of backstage drama that would eventually contribute to Punk’s controversial exit from AEW after Double or Nothing 2022.
Punk went on to defeat Hangman Page for the title but reportedly took months to openly address his issues from this promo confrontation, his frustrations bubbling over during the post-All Out 2022 Media Scrum.
The Enduring Legacy of CM Punk’s AEW Promo Battles
Across multiple storylines and rivals, from MJF’s sharp tongue to Kingston’s emotional attacks, Moxley’s blunt dismissals, and Hangman Page’s unscripted accusations, CM Punk AEW promo battles set a new standard for intensity and unpredictability in wrestling storytelling. These exchanges blurred the lines between scripted entertainment and real-life conflict, drawing in fans and altering the trajectories of all involved. The fallout from these verbal clashes influenced both on-screen narratives and backstage dynamics, signaling a turbulent era for AEW and leaving a legacy that will be examined by fans and insiders for years to come.
