Daniel Garcia has heard plenty of pops from the crowd over his wrestling career but none compare to CM Punk’s debut in AEW in August 2021.
On a recent edition of the “ROAR Around The Ring” podcast, Garcia recalled Punk’s debut and being at the ‘First Dance’ edition of Rampage. He said,
“It was me and Mox [Jon Moxley] in the main event of that show and that was the loudest I’ve ever heard a crowd ever. Completely sold out United Center, like 15,000 people seeing him for the first time in seven years. What an insane moment to have, and to have etched in the history books of AEW.”
Punk arrived in AEW in 2021, marking his return to professional wrestling after a seven-year break following his WWE walk-out in January 2014.
A multi-time AEW World Champion, Punk would also be suspended in 2022 and 2023 due to backstage altercations. He was let go from the company in September of last year.
CM Punk has since returned to WWE. He is currently out of action with a triceps injury suffered during the 2023 men’s Royal Rumble match.
CM Punk’s debut in All Elite Wrestling (AEW) in August 2021 was a moment that will forever be etched in the history books of professional wrestling. The impact of his return was felt not only by the fans but also by his fellow wrestlers, including Daniel Garcia.
Garcia, who has had a successful wrestling career himself, recently shared his experience of being present at the ‘First Dance’ edition of Rampage where Punk made his highly anticipated debut. He described the atmosphere as electrifying, with the crowd at the United Center in Chicago erupting in cheers like he had never heard before.
As Garcia reminisced about that night on the “ROAR Around The Ring” podcast, he expressed his awe at witnessing Punk’s return after a seven-year hiatus. The significance of the moment was not lost on him, as he acknowledged being a part of history in the making.
CM Punk’s arrival in AEW marked a major turning point in his career. After leaving WWE in January 2014, he took a break from professional wrestling and pursued other ventures. His return to the ring was met with immense excitement and anticipation from fans worldwide.
Since joining AEW, Punk has achieved great success, becoming a multi-time AEW World Champion. However, his journey has not been without its challenges. In 2022 and 2023, he faced suspensions due to backstage altercations, which ultimately led to his departure from the company in September of last year.
Despite his departure from AEW, CM Punk’s impact on the wrestling industry continues to be felt. He recently made a surprising return to WWE, further fueling speculation and excitement among fans. Unfortunately, his return has been put on hold due to a triceps injury sustained during the 2023 men’s Royal Rumble match.
The wrestling world eagerly awaits Punk’s return to action and the potential rivalries and storylines that will unfold. His presence in both AEW and WWE has brought a renewed energy to the industry, reminding fans of his undeniable talent and charisma.
CM Punk’s debut in AEW will forever be remembered as a pivotal moment in professional wrestling. The deafening cheers and overwhelming support from the crowd at the United Center serve as a testament to his enduring popularity and the impact he has had on the sport. As fans eagerly await his return, the legacy of CM Punk continues to grow, leaving an indelible mark on the history of wrestling.