Tonight, the “Rampage era” in All Elite Wrestling continues with what promises to be a special show. Beyond the matches on the card, fans have been buzzing about the surprises this show is expected to have in store.
AEW RAMPAGE
August 20, 2021 United Center, Chicago, IL
Commentary: Taz, Mark Henry, and Excalibur
In-ring segment: CM Punk
The show opens with the most highly anticipated announcement in AEW history. CM Punk comes to the stage, and the crowd goes absolutely wild. He gets on his knees and soaks it all in. Punk dives into the crowd, and the arena is filled with deafening”CM Punk” chants. Punk is clearly emotional and he hugs several fans at ringside.
It's clobberin' time @CMPunk #AEWRampage pic.twitter.com/QMaDo1mAJr
— AEW on TV (@AEWonTV) August 21, 2021
Punk finally gets into the ring. In the ring, surrouunded by “CM Punk” chants, Punk says “You guys really know how to make a kid feel like Britt Baker in Pittsburgh.” He says he’s winging this, as he didn’t know what he was going to say. He tells Chicago, “I feel you” and “I hear you.” He says he’s heard “CM Punk” chants for seven years. He makes it clear that he won’t get to cover everything he wants to tonight, but he has time now.
???#CMPunk is here in #AEW!!!!!!!!!!#AEWRampage is included with your #AEWPLUS membership.
[ Join now ➡️ https://t.co/orzz2ZiadX ]
*Available in select intl markets pic.twitter.com/l3HKzao9C4
— TrillerTV (@FiteTV) August 21, 2021
“I ain’t going anywhere,” Punk says. He says if any of his choices have disappointed anyone. But he says he needs everyone to understand that he never would have gotten healthy if he stayed in the place that made him sick in the first place. He pulls off his sweatshirt, revealing a shirt much like his beloved WWE design. He sits down in his trademark style in the ring and says he felt like he had to leave. He goes as far back as his Ring of Honor exit.
Punk recaps his departure from ROH and says he left professional wrestling when he left the company. He says that he came back to professional wrestling tonight. Punk says he’s back for the fans and he’s also back for himself because he wants to face some of the young talent in AEW. He even says he has a couple of scores to settle in the locker room. Punk calls out Darby Allin, who’s watching from the rafters alongside Sting.
"I'm BACK! – @CMPunk
Tune into @tntdrama NOW to watch #AEWRampage #theFirstDance LIVE! pic.twitter.com/3UOaQuvQp5
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) August 21, 2021
He tells Allin that he’s good, and he commends Allin for his toughness. Punk says he’s here to help, and Allin is first on his list. He tells Allin there’s nothing more dangerous he could do than wrestling CM Punk in Chicago and challenges him to a match at All Out.
.@CMPunk lays down the challenge to @DarbyAllin at #AEWAllOut back here in Chicago on Sept. 5!
Tune into @tntdrama NOW to watch #AEWRampage #theFirstDance LIVE! pic.twitter.com/Vda9B0YZYH
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) August 21, 2021
Backstage, Christian Cage says he has Kenny Omega’s number because he beat him once. He vows to take the AEW World Championship and Omega’s soul at AEW All Out.
AEW Rampage: The First Dance Results Continue On The Next Page!