CM Punk joined AEW in August 2021 and quickly became a prominent figure within the Jacksonville-based wrestling promotion. Known as The Best in the World, Punk enjoyed a notable two-year run before his contentious departure in 2023. Despite winning the majority of his matches, several wrestlers succeeded in defeating him in singles bouts, delivering surprising outcomes that caught fans’ attention. This article highlights three wrestlers who achieved victories over CM Punk in AEW singles competition.
MJF’s Defining Victory Over CM Punk
One of CM Punk’s most memorable rivalries in AEW was against MJF, also known as The Salt of the Earth. Their feud spanned 2021-2022 and featured intense promos that fueled anticipation. The two clashed for the first time in a singles match on the February 2022 episode of Dynamite. During the competitive encounter, MJF employed several underhanded tactics, including using his wrist tape to choke out Punk.
Punk fought back using his experience to counter MJF’s attacks, but the match’s final moments turned in MJF’s favor when Wardlow distracted Punk. Taking advantage of this, MJF struck Punk with the Dynamite Diamond Ring and quickly pinned him, marking the biggest win of his career at that point. Though Punk later avenged this loss in a Dog Collar Match at Revolution 2022, MJF’s triumph remains significant.
Jon Moxley’s Swift Victory in Title Unification Match
In 2022, following CM Punk’s injury and subsequent relinquishment of the AEW World Championship, Jon Moxley became the Interim AEW World Champion and assumed the forefront of AEW’s main event scene. When Punk returned to action in August, a high-stakes title unification match was scheduled between the two on the August 24 episode of Dynamite.
The match ended abruptly in a stunning upset as Moxley defeated Punk in under five minutes. Early in the bout, Punk appeared to aggravate a foot injury, allowing Moxley to capitalize and secure an easy victory. Despite this setback, Punk later reclaimed the World Title at All Out 2022 by defeating Moxley, further intensifying their rivalry.
Ricky Starks’ Unexpected Triumph in Owen Hart Foundation Tournament Final
Ricky Starks, known as The Absolute, experienced mixed success during his AEW tenure, but not without major highlights. Starks advanced to the final of the 2023 Owen Hart Foundation Tournament by defeating Juice Robinson and Powerhouse Hobbs in earlier rounds. Meanwhile, Punk overcame formidable opponents like Satoshi Kojima and Samoa Joe to reach the final stage.
The championship contest was fiercely contested, showcasing the skill and determination of both competitors. Ultimately, Starks outsmarted Punk by using the ring ropes to secure a shocking pinfall victory. This win marked a milestone in Starks’ career, placing him among a select group of stars who have managed to defeat CM Punk in singles matches within AEW. Punk, often regarded as The Voice of the Voiceless, was visibly surprised by the outcome.
Why These Defeats Matter in AEW’s Landscape
These three singles match losses demonstrate that despite CM Punk’s dominance as a seasoned competitor, AEW’s roster features several rising and established stars capable of toppling him. MJF’s cunning tactics, Moxley’s relentless aggression, and Ricky Starks’ strategic acumen each represent unique challenges Punk faced during his AEW run. These matches added depth to storylines, elevated the profiles of the victors, and created memorable moments for fans.
As AEW continues to grow under Tony Khan’s leadership, the significance of these unexpected defeats could influence future booking decisions and rivalries. While Punk’s exit remains notable, the victories by these wrestlers emphasize the competitive environment that defines AEW and the unpredictable nature of singles competition at its highest level.
