The mystery of the red bad is finally revealed. Ever since CM Punk made his return to AEW, he had been carrying around a red bag with him. For weeks, everybody was speculating about what was in the bag and now finally we know. As Punk revealed the contents of the bag, he ripped off two WWE legends in the process.
In the latest episode of AEW Collision, Punk copied Hulk Hogan and Ric Flair‘s past storylines to add spice to his current plot in the Jacksonville-based promotion. This attempt from Punk has divided fans on social media, as some are okay with him imitating the WWE legends, while others are not.
CM Punk claims to be the real World Champion
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Punk on Collision came out with his red mystery bag and pulled out his AEW World Championship belt from inside. He claimed he beat Jon Moxley for the title fair and square and never lost it. After his backstage brawl with The Elite in September, AEW forced him to relinquish his title.
However, Punk believes that he is still the champion, as no one has pinned or made him submit inside the ropes. He then took a can of black spray paint and drew an X on the belt. He stated that the symbol has represented him and his straight-edge character since 1997.
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Going to social media platforms, wrestling fans gave their opinion on this segment.
Punk brings back memories from the years 1991 and 1996
For those who don’t remember, in 1996, Hogan defeated The Giant (aka Big Show) for the WCW World Heavyweight Championship at WCW PPV Hog Wild. After claiming the victory, he defaced the title and spray painted “nWo” across it. He then referred to the title as the “nWo title.”
Also, in 1991, when Flair made his WWE debut, he brought the Big Gold Belt with him. On the September 21 episode of Superstars, he proclaimed himself as “The Real World’s Champion” in front of the wrestling audience. Many fans feel that Punk took a page out of the two legend’s books and used it to build intrigue in his storyline.
“Punk pulled a Hulk Hogan 💀💀💀🤣,” “Hulk Hogan 2.0 😅😅😅😅,” Instagram users said as they enjoyed the segment.
Ric Flair and NWO all in one. ✊
— My Right Foot 😂 (@notArt713) July 30, 2023
“The Real Worlds Champion” spray paint the belt…….. taking us back to 1991 and 1996
— Bill “Poundcake” Crane (@PBACrane834) July 30, 2023
Punk channeling his inner ric flair declaring himself “the real world champion” and his inner hollywood hogan spray painting the belt, i fucking love this 🤷🏻♂️💯 #AEWCollision
— Orlando Magick Morales (@Kingmagick57) July 30, 2023
Some fans trolled Punk for copying Hogan and Flair on Collision.
“Bashes Hulk Hogan, proceeds to imitate him…”, ” “REAL WORLD’S CHAMPION” 😏 @ricflairnatureboy,” “How original 😂😂😂😂” were some negative comments on Instagram.
nWo wannabe.
— Godfather420nWo (@Godfather420nWo) July 30, 2023
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NWO copycat
— Jody Matejicek (@tcheck30) July 30, 2023
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Now, with Punk claiming to be a champion, will AEW move forward with two World Champions? It will be interesting to see how the story develops further. Let us know what you think of Punk’s actions on AEW Collision. Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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