For weeks rumors of CM Punk’s AEW debut were making the rounds, and he finally made his return to wrestling during the second episode of Rampage from the United Center in Chicago. Punk declared that he’s back, and he challenged Darby Allin to a match at the All Out pay-per-view.
All Out aired live on Sunday night, and CM Punk met Darby Allin in the ring for his first match since 2014. Punk made his entrance to a huge reaction from the Chicago crowd, and he also debuted some new ring gear as he came out wearing tights as opposed to the trunks he wore during his last run.
The crowd was electric all throughout the match with loud chants of “CM Punk” and “welcome back.” Punk and Darby Allin faced off in a hard fought back and forth match, and it seemed like they had each other well scouted.
CM Punk managed to hit the GTS on Darby Allin, but he knocked him outside the ring in the process. The referee counted to 9 and then Darby rolled back into the ring.
Punk hit Darby with a clothesline then called for another GTS. CM Punk got Darby on his shoulders, but Darby hit Punk with a series of elbows to the jaw. Darby went for the Coffin Drop and Punk got out of the way, and Darby landed on the mat. They went back and forth with a series of pin attempts and Punk eventually managed to hit the GTS again to win the match.
After the match Sting came down to the ring and he shook CM Punk’s hand. Punk checked on Darby, and Sting tried to pick him up, but Darby insisted on standing up on his own. Darby and Punk shook hands before Darby and Sting walked to the back.
What a moment – @CMPunk vs @DarbyAllin #AEWAllOut pic.twitter.com/hCaCtCAgvo
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) September 6, 2021
Respect. @CMPunk x @Sting#AEWAllOut pic.twitter.com/jFZpWVlsOS
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) September 6, 2021
