Deep Diving Into the History Behind CM Punk and the Decision-Maker Who Terminated Him From AEW

CM Punk recently made his way back to WWE after nine long years at the 2023 Survivor Series. Punk was released from WWE in 2014, forcing him to retire, only to make a comeback in 2021 at AEW. However, ‘The Best in the World’ met his former nemesis from WWE at the show, who later paved the way for his exit in 2023.

WWE’s Daniel Bryan, whose real name is Bryan Danielson, had a heated rivalry with CM Punk in WWE. Punk and Bryan were the two of the biggest stars in WWE during 2012 and were at each other’s throats. In fact, the duo fought over many things including supremacy, the WWE Championship, and AJ Lee.

Daniel Bryan and his sudden interest in the championship belt of CM Punk

CM Punk was released from AEW after a disciplinary committee took action against the wrestler for backstage misconduct. While this included a scuffle with an AEW wrestler, CM Punk had allegedly also tried to throw hands on the owner of AEW, Tony Khan. Notably, according to Fightful.com, this committee was headed by none other than Punk’s rival from 2012, Daniel Bryan. 

He is one of the most versatile wrestlers to ever grace the WWE arena. Following a backstage incident with Jack Perry at AEW All In, CM Punk was terminated by AEW on September 2. He was a high-flying striker and a submission expert combined in one. CM Punk on the other hand glided through his matches with his striking ability and endurance.

Daniel Bryan had failed to retain his WWE World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania 28 against the Celtic Warrior Sheamus.

Interestingly, however, Bryan started to show a sudden interest in the WWE Championship. The Championship belt was held by CM Punk at the time, which put him directly under the crosshairs of Daniel Bryan. The two men first clashed for the championship at WWE Over The Limit in 2012. 

Read more- 3 Reasons Why CM Punk Could Challenge Roman Reigns for His WWE Championship at Royal Rumble 2024

The match ended in a rather controversial win for CM Punk, who reversed Bryan’s Yes Lock to pin his shoulders down. However, by the time the referee counted the pinfall, Punk had tapped out because of the submission move. This added even more gunpowder to their rivalry, which caught fire when a flame called AJ Lee was included in the mix.

AJ Lee got included in the Punk versus Bryan saga

AJ Lee was one of the most prominent names in WWE, who filled the shoes of a wrestler, a manager, and even a referee. Daniel Bryan became obsessively involved with AJ Lee, almost sidelining his rivalry against Punk. However, WWE didn’t allow Bryan to have a breezy time playing romance. In fact, WWE paired AJ Lee with CM Punk against Bryan in a Mixed Tag Team match.

Daniel Bryan was paired with Eve Torres at the time, who came strong against AJ Lee in the match. However, Lee and Punk successfully defeated Bryan and Torres, forcing Bryan to take his second loss. Leaving this behind, Daniel Bryan decided to marry AJ Lee as part of the storyline.

In their wrestling saga, AJ Lee’s unexpected promotion to Raw General Manager disrupted Daniel Bryan’s wedding, sparking a feud with Demon Kane joining Bryan in ‘Hell No.’ Despite AJ Lee’s managerial challenges, Bryan and CM Punk’s rivalry peaked. In a crucial match with AJ as the special guest referee, Punk faced defeat.

Watch This Story: CM Punk Makes Triumphant Return to WWE at Survivor Series WarGames 2023 After 9-Year Hiatus

While Bryan triumphed in the ring, CM Punk found a different kind of victory as his off-screen romance with AJ Lee blossomed, culminating in their marriage in 2014. Thus, CM Punk won AJ Lee’s heart, which Bryan couldn’t. What are your thoughts about this? Let them flow in the comments.