AJ Styles has been a mainstay of WWE’s top talent for years, and his storied career has been marked by numerous high-profile matches against some of the biggest names in the industry. However, one match that stands out in particular is his encounter with the legendary CM Punk, a bout that took place just before Punk’s retirement from in-ring competition.
In a recent interview, Styles reflected on the experience of wrestling his longtime rival, and the emotions that came flooding back as he stepped into the ring with Punk for what would be one of the final matches of the latter’s illustrious career.
Getting Past Animosity
For years, Styles and Punk had been embroiled in a bitter feud, with tensions simmering beneath the surface. However, in the lead-up to their highly anticipated match, both men seemingly put aside their differences and engaged in a series of intense promos that hinted at a newfound respect for one another.
According to sources close to the situation, the animosity between Styles and Punk had been building for years, with the two men frequently butting heads in the WWE locker room. However, as the two superstars approached their highly-anticipated match, it became clear that something had shifted.
“It was like a switch had been flipped,” said a WWE insider, speaking on condition of anonymity. “AJ and CM Punk had a long history of tension and animosity, but as they approached their match, it seemed like they’d finally found a way to put the past behind them. It was like watching two old friends finally make amends after years of estrangement.”
The Privilege of Wrestling CM Punk
When asked about the experience of wrestling Punk, Styles couldn’t help but express his gratitude for the privilege of stepping into the ring with one of his all-time heroes.
“Wrestling CM Punk was a dream come true for me,” Styles said, his voice filled with emotion. “Growing up, I idolized the guy, and to be able to share the ring with him was an incredible honor. It’s not often that you get to step into the ring with someone who’s not only a legend, but someone who’s also a true friend and mentor.”
According to sources close to the situation, Styles and Punk had been in talks for months leading up to their match, with both men working closely to craft a story that would do justice to their long and complex history.
“It was a real collaboration between AJ and CM,” said the WWE insider. “They worked together to create a match that would be truly special, one that would live up to the hype and do justice to their long and storied history. And in the end, I think they really succeeded in creating something truly magical.”
The Match of a Lifetime
The match between Styles and Punk was widely regarded as one of the best of the year, with both men putting on a display of technical prowess and athleticism that left fans and pundits alike in awe.
“It was like watching two artists at the peak of their powers,” said WWE Hall of Famer and longtime commentator Jim Ross, speaking to Wrestling Inc. about the match. “AJ Styles and CM Punk were two of the best in the business, and to see them go head-to-head in the ring was a real treat. It was a match that will be remembered for years to come.”
For Styles, the experience of wrestling Punk was a truly unforgettable one, one that he’ll carry with him for the rest of his career.
“Wrestling CM Punk was a highlight of my career, no question,” Styles said, his voice filled with emotion. “It was a privilege to share the ring with him, and I’ll always be grateful for the opportunity to do so.”
A Legacy Cemented
The match between Styles and Punk was more than just a one-off bout, however – it was also a chance for both men to cement their legacies and prove themselves as two of the greatest in-ring performers of all time.
“For AJ Styles and CM Punk, this match was a chance to prove themselves as two of the best in the business,” said the WWE insider. “It was a chance to show the world what they’re capable of, and to leave a lasting impact on the sport they love. And in the end, I think they really succeeded in doing just that.”
As the dust settles on the match between Styles and Punk, it’s clear that this was more than just a bout between two superstars – it was a moment in time, a chance for two men to put the past behind them and create something truly special. And for Styles, it will always be a memory that he’ll cherish, a reminder of the privilege of wrestling one of his all-time heroes.