On June 2nd, CM Punk sent a heartfelt message to AJ Styles after sharing the WWE ring again with his longtime rival for the first time in over two decades. The emotional exchange between the two superstars came following a dramatic night on Raw that completed the line-ups for the upcoming Money In The Bank ladder matches, making
“CM Punk sends heartfelt message to AJ Styles after 21 years”
a significant talking point in the wrestling world.
Pivotal Night on Raw Concludes Money In The Bank Qualifiers
The June 2nd episode of WWE Raw unfolded with major stakes, as final qualification spots for both the men’s and women’s Money In The Bank matches were up for grabs. By the night’s end, the list of participants for the high-stakes ladder matches was finalized, setting up anticipation among fans and competitors alike.
On the women’s side, Liv Morgan, Stephanie Vaquer, and Ivy Nile competed in the closing qualifier. Stephanie Vaquer emerged victorious, earning her debut appearance in a Money In The Bank match, a key milestone in her career and adding depth to the roster of contenders.
The men’s qualifying bout proved even more dramatic. El Grande Americano shocked the audience by overcoming former WWE Champions AJ Styles and CM Punk to secure his own place in the sought-after ladder match scheduled for June 7th. The defeat was particularly poignant for CM Punk, who, despite his storied rivalry with Styles, was unable to advance but found an opportunity for reconciliation and respect.
CM Punk’s Respectful Tribute to AJ Styles
After the match, CM Punk took to social media to express his admiration for AJ Styles, highlighting the depth of their rivalry and mutual professional respect built over years. The two had not participated in a significant singles contest against each other since 2004, when Styles defeated Punk at an IWC event, a match that also featured Corey Graves and Joaquin Wilde alongside the notable Rock ‘N’ Roll Express.
Despite the result and the symbolic boot mark left on his face during the showdown, CM Punk’s words captured the emotional intensity of finally facing his rival again after such a long hiatus:
“[AJ Styles] I’ve got a lot on my plate right now but I’ll always make room for you. Thank you for the boot print on my nose. Let’s not wait 21 years for the next time. You’re a legend.”
—CM Punk
That message resonated with fans and underlined the unique bond and enduring narrative between both superstars in the wrestling community.
Past and Present Collide for Wrestling Rivals
Although CM Punk and AJ Styles participated together in the 2025 Royal Rumble, their long-lasting singles rivalry traces back more than two decades, culminating in their intense encounter during this week’s Raw. Their shared history includes legendary figures such as Corey Graves, Joaquin Wilde, and the Rock ‘N’ Roll Express, who featured in past events alongside them.
The renewed confrontation on Raw, ending with a heartfelt acknowledgment, marks a new chapter in the histories of both Punk and Styles, weaving together their old feuds and new beginnings under the banner of WWE.
Broader Implications for WWE and Its Superstars
The emotional moment between CM Punk and AJ Styles highlights the evolving narratives within WWE, with veterans like Triple H and current stars such as Rhea Ripley, Liv Morgan, and Jey Uso continuing to shape the company’s direction. While El Grande Americano advances to the Money In The Bank, the focus remains on how deep-rooted rivalries and respect among icons elevate WWE’s storytelling and impact fan engagement.
As the WWE universe prepares for the much-anticipated Money In The Bank ladder matches, the resonance of CM Punk’s tribute to AJ Styles sets a powerful example of sportsmanship and connection that underpins the spectacle of professional wrestling. Looking ahead, both legends may yet cross paths in the ring sooner than expected, rekindling a rivalry that clearly still means so much to fans and participants alike.
