AEW World Champion MJF has offered a candid assessment of his highly publicized rivalry with CM Punk, labeling Punk in no uncertain terms as a "piece of s***" and humorously noting he wouldn't extend help to him even in a dire situation. Despite this pronounced personal animosity, MJF acknowledged that their in-ring confrontations provided invaluable professional development, helping him to discern the nuances between merely good and truly great performances in professional wrestling. Furthermore, MJF expressed skepticism regarding Punk's earlier criticisms of WWE, particularly in light of Punk's recent return to the promotion, hinting at a potential hypocrisy in Punk's public statements.
The rivalry between MJF and CM Punk is widely regarded as one of the most compelling narratives in All Elite Wrestling's relatively short history. This intense on-screen animosity was meticulously crafted around MJF's perceived abandonment by Punk, whom he had idolized during his formative years. According to MJF, Punk's sudden departure from professional wrestling left a void for the young wrestler, who was in search of a mentor. Their feud was characterized by a series of memorable verbal exchanges, known as promos, and culminated in two highly acclaimed matches that continue to resonate with wrestling enthusiasts.
During a recent appearance on the "Insight" podcast with Chris Van Vliet, MJF did not mince words when discussing his feelings towards Punk. He confessed, "I loved CM Punk growing up and now if he was dying in front of me, I'd do nothing but laugh." This stark declaration underscores the depth of his current disdain. However, MJF also conceded that, despite his personal feelings, Punk's wrestling abilities were undeniable. "Don't get me wrong, I like CM Punk matches too, I just think he's a piece of s***," he added, highlighting the professional respect coexisting with personal animosity.
MJF further elaborated on the educational aspect of their feud, stating, "I also won't sit here and I lie to you and tell you I didn't learn so much through my hatred of that man. I learned the difference between good and great. That's what I learned." This reflection indicates that even through conflict, MJF found opportunities for growth and refinement of his craft, acknowledging Punk's unwitting role in his development as a performer.
The discussion also touched upon CM Punk's past remarks concerning WWE, made during his tenure with AEW. Punk had frequently criticized his former employer, famously declaring that WWE had made him "sick" and that he had effectively left professional wrestling when he departed Ring of Honor in 2005. During his feud with MJF, Punk even derided WrestleMania as a "Buy one get one free extravaganza." These past comments have since been widely circulated by fans who now view Punk as hypocritical, given his recent return to WWE. MJF, while not directly labeling Punk a hypocrite, observed, "The things that he said in my company do go against the things that he's saying now." He added, "Some people might say that's hypocritical, that's not my place. All I know is since I've jumped into pro wrestling, I've been saying the same thing since the jump. My tune has not changed. I'm Maxwell Jacob Friedman and I'm better than you and you know it." This statement from MJF implicitly contrasts his consistent stance with what he perceives as Punk's shifting allegiances.
The culmination of the Punk-MJF rivalry was abruptly interrupted after the AEW All Out pay-per-view in September 2022. Following Punk's victory over Jon Moxley to reclaim the AEW World Championship, the infamous "Brawl Out" incident occurred, leading to Punk's suspension and an injury sustained during his match with Moxley. This event prematurely ended their storyline. Subsequently, MJF went on to defeat Moxley for the title at that year's Full Gear pay-per-view in November, initiating a record-setting reign as the AEW World Champion, a feat he aims to surpass in his current championship run.
The intricate dynamic between MJF and CM Punk, marked by deep personal antagonism yet mutual professional respect and learning, remains a pivotal chapter in AEW history. MJF's commentary offers a unique perspective on the complexities of their relationship, highlighting the blend of genuine disdain and professional admiration that characterized one of wrestling's most captivating feuds. His observations on Punk's past and present affiliations also raise pertinent questions about consistency and conviction in the highly theatrical world of professional wrestling.