CM Punk and AJ Styles clash for the first time on WWE RAW after two decades.
The dream matchup finally took place in a triple threat money in the bank qualifying match featuring CM Punk, AJ Styles, and El Grande Americano. Punk and Styles both considered among the greatest wrestlers of their generation had not faced each other since their early days on the independent scene. Their last match occurred back in 2004.
The two legends shared the WWE ring for the first time ever, and the moment was visibly special. They even shared a laugh while locking up for the first time in years. However, despite the massive anticipation surrounding the bout, El Grande Americano scored a shocking upset over both Punk and Styles, securing his spot in the Money in the Bank match.
The match saw into chaos with interference from Seth Rollins, Bron Breakker, and Bronson Reed. This distraction allowed Americano to take advantage. As Styles climbed the apron to hit a Phenomenal Forearm. However, Americano countered it with a mid-air headbutt knocking Styles out for the win.
Punk and AJ Styles have now shared the ring for the first time in 21 years, and Punk is already eager for a rematch with The Phenomenal One. He took to Instagram stories and shared a picture of himself, writing, “@ajstylesp1, 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.”
AJ Styles explains why tapping out is a smart move in pro wrestling
AJ Styles and Samoa Joe share a long history filled with countless matches. At the Fanatics Live Signing at WWE World, Styles recalled an early TNA match where he tapped out to Joe.
“There was a match that we had in TNA. And I remember he choked me out and there was a big thing about, ‘Oh you don’t wanna tap out to the [new guy coming in]… You know, get choked out.’ [I’m like], ‘What are you talking about? I don’t know if you have heard of the UFC. People tap out all the time,” Styles pointed out. “Because they are smart and they really don’t want to go to sleep. Or they don’t want their arm broken.’
“So, in that match, and you know what? [Samoa] Joe was new coming in. And it was an amazing match and it made that match so much better than I was able to tap out. I think, and, the Samoan Submission was one of the best I’ve ever been in the ring with.”
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