During the January 26th, 2026 episode of WWE RAW, AJ Styles stepped into the ring to challenge CM Punk for the world heavyweight championship. The match was abruptly disrupted when Finn Balor unexpectedly attacked Punk, bringing the title bout to an untimely end.
Heartfelt Exchange Between Styles and Punk After Broadcast
Once the show concluded, AJ Styles expressed deep gratitude toward CM Punk, reflecting on their shared history in wrestling.
“We definitely had some hard times, but I’m so grateful that you and I were in this ring tonight. I want to tell you, look forward to everybody else. Thank you so much. I love you, brother,”
Styles said.
Punk responded with emotion, acknowledging the loyal fans in attendance despite challenging travel and weather conditions.
“For everybody who stayed, I know today, last night, was hard travel, bad weather. We appreciate you all showing up here. This place is so loud. When AJ Styles takes on Gunther, I just know that I’m going to be glued to the monitor watching, just like all of you. I don’t care who knows it publicly. It has been a privilege to know you. It’s a privilege to call you a friend. It’s an honor to share the ring with you. I know Saturday is not it, but if it is, yeah, what a hell of a career,”
Punk shared.
The Moment Ends with Mutual Respect and Brotherhood
The intense moment between these two wrestling icons concluded with a heartfelt embrace, symbolizing respect and camaraderie beyond the competition. This unifying gesture left a lasting impression on fans and emphasized their shared journey in the WWE RAW universe.
Implications for Future Matches and Career Paths
This emotional encounter not only highlights the strong bond between CM Punk and AJ Styles but also sets an anticipatory tone for Styles’ upcoming match against Gunther. Their mutual respect and supportive words suggest a closing chapter for Punk, while Styles continues to push forward as a key contender in WWE RAW. The moment resonates as a testament to dedication, legacy, and the evolving landscape of professional wrestling.
After WWE RAW ended (thanks to TJ Jain) pic.twitter.com/iMcbvYLiZs
— Aaron Rift of NoDQ.com (@aaronrift) January 27, 2026
