Wardlow has been in the spotlight this week; he’s facing CM Punk in a singles match on AEW Dynamite, and fans have been buzzing about WWE’s rumored interest in the promising powerhouse.
It’s easy to imagine how the Ohio native could thrive in Vince McMahon’s promotion; he’s got the look and the size the WWE Chairman typically prefers, and at 33, “Mr. Mayhem” arguably hasn’t reached his peak yet.
Still, in an interview with Justin Barrasso of Sports Illustrated, Wardlow made it clear that he’s a proud AEW original, and he noted that just as he started his career as a member of a major promotion in AEW, he hopes to end it there.
“I’m very happy and proud to say I’m an AEW original, born and raised,” said Wardlow. “It’s where I started. AEW is going to be the beginning and end for me.”
Facing Punk is a monumental opportunity, even for a competitor who has already wrestled Cody Rhodes and Chris Jericho. The significance of this moment isn’t lost on Wardlow, who called his looming match against Punk “surreal.”
“The match against Cody was more realistic,” said Wardlow. “With the way that built between him and Max, I knew we were eventually going to cross paths. A match against Jericho, I thought that might happen, too. But CM Punk? I never thought I’d get in the ring with him. Just to see the graphic, CM Punk vs. Wardlow, it’s a completely different feel. I can’t believe it’s happening.
“I usually get very intense leading up to my matches, but I’ve been very calm here. Maybe that’s a good thing. CM Punk is a living legend. I’m excited to show the world what I’m capable of.”
The bitter tensions between @CMPunk and @The_MJF show no signs of slowing down, as @RealWardlow has now been brought in to face #CMPunk TONIGHT 8/7c LIVE on @TBSNetwork.
▶️ https://t.co/G6moBwr77W? Make sure your DVRs are set to #AEWDynamite on TBS! pic.twitter.com/PHWXFqVv46
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) January 12, 2022
“Mr. Mayhem” then previewed what fans can expect to see when he steps into the ring with the former WWE Champion — though it won’t be a “banger”, he fully intends to prove himself in a “wild” match.
“I’m excited,” said Wardlow. “Punk has put on bangers with a large portion of our roster. But this isn’t going to be a banger. This is going to be me powerbombing him repeatedly.
“It’s going to be wild. And even if I don’t say a word, I do plan on getting my point across.”
Heading into Wednesday night, it’s clear that Wardlow is determined to capitalize on his high-profile match with Punk and take the next step in his AEW journey.
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