Amid the ongoing tensions surrounding the CM Punk and Colt Cabana rivalry in AEW, The Young Bucks recently expressed public admiration for Colt Cabana, their fellow wrestler and Punk’s real-life adversary, on social media. This interaction highlights the convoluted dynamics between these key figures within the Tony Khan-led promotion and adds further complexity to the relationships behind the scenes.
The Young Bucks Recognize Colt Cabana’s Contributions
The Young Bucks, serving as EVPs of AEW, acknowledged Colt Cabana’s longstanding impact on professional wrestling by sharing their appreciation for his work and influence. This gesture is notable given prior reports of friction between The Young Bucks and CM Punk, especially as their own relationship with Punk had become strained during his time in AEW.
Colt Cabana, who has been at the center of the well-known real-life feud with CM Punk, found himself in the spotlight after WWE Superstar Kevin Owens credited Cabana on a podcast for giving career advice about merchandise. Responding to this recognition and reflecting on his career, Cabana shared his thoughts on social media:
“For 20+ years I OBSESSED about how to be a full time pro wrestler without being in “the machine”. I wanted all my friends to have the same ability. Kevin’s story is phenomenal. I try my best backstage w @AEW implementing where I can. Those 20+ yrs were tough but so rewarding,” Colt wrote.
Noting Cabana’s story, the Jackson brothers compared his previous projects to their own, drawing a clear line of respect for Cabana’s pioneering work in wrestling podcasts and documentaries:
“BTE = Art of Wrestling & Wrestling Road Diaries, YoungBucksMerch = ColtMerch.com 🫡 to the OG.”
Attempts to Reconcile: Past Efforts Between CM Punk and Colt Cabana
The strained relationship between CM Punk and Colt Cabana has been widely discussed within wrestling circles for many years, and according to an interview with Ariel Helwani on MMA Hour, Cabana had once tried to address their ongoing conflict. Punk recalled a pivotal moment in AEW when Cabana approached him in hopes of clearing the air. However, Punk was not open to speaking privately, citing legal concerns:
“I was at the curtain watching the show. When he came up to me and was like, ‘Hey can we talk so it’s not weird between us?’ and I just said, ‘I will never talk to you without a lawyer present,'” Punk disclosed.
The attempt to bridge the divide ultimately did not result in a resolution, leaving the longstanding issues unresolved. While numerous peers such as Kevin Owens and The Young Bucks have shown public support for Cabana and recognized his backstage efforts in AEW, the rift with Punk still casts a shadow over their professional and personal interactions.
What Lies Ahead for These AEW Figures?
As the CM Punk and Colt Cabana rivalry continues to spark discussion in AEW and among fans, public gestures from prominent associates like The Young Bucks underscore Cabana’s enduring value within the organization. While significant efforts have been made to mend the broken relationship, both parties remain at odds. The wrestling world now waits to see whether time and circumstance will eventually allow these former friends to come to terms and put their complex history behind them.
