Owens Unleashes Fury on Punk, Taking Aim at AEW’s Biggest Name

In the world of professional wrestling, rivalries and backstage drama are as much a part of the entertainment as the in-ring action. Kevin Owens, one of WWE’s most outspoken and polarizing superstars, has recently taken aim at CM Punk, the former WWE Champion and current AEW star, reigniting long-standing tensions between the two. Owens’ remarks have sent shockwaves throughout the wrestling world, as he not only took shots at Punk but also made pointed references to a top AEW star.

The Origins of the Beef: Kevin Owens vs. CM Punk

The tension between Kevin Owens and CM Punk has been simmering for years, particularly due to their differing paths within the wrestling industry. Punk, known for his rebellious persona and sharp tongue, made waves in WWE with his infamous “pipe bomb” promo in 2011, which called out management and other wrestlers for their perceived shortcomings. Owens, on the other hand, has been a steadfast figure in WWE, known for his ability to mix hard-hitting wrestling with humor and brutal honesty.

While both superstars have found success in their respective careers, their personalities and approaches to wrestling have often clashed. Owens, who has been known to be outspoken both in and out of the ring, has never shied away from voicing his opinions. And in a recent interview, he took aim directly at Punk, throwing several verbal jabs at the AEW star.

Kevin Owens’ Shots at CM Punk: “Not a Real Champion”

In a candid interview, Kevin Owens didn’t hold back when discussing CM Punk’s controversial departure from WWE and his subsequent transition to AEW. Owens pointed out that while Punk was undoubtedly talented, he didn’t think Punk’s reigns as WWE Champion lived up to the hype.

Owens said, “People can talk about CM Punk all they want, but when you get down to it, he wasn’t a real champion. He was a good wrestler, but he never truly had the heart of a champion. There are other people who showed what it means to carry this company. I was one of them.“

His comments were a direct swipe at Punk’s legacy, suggesting that Punk’s tenure in WWE wasn’t as impactful as it may have been made out to be by fans and the media. Owens even alluded to the fact that some of Punk’s fans may be overly nostalgic for a time in WWE that Owens feels wasn’t as special as people remember.

The AEW Reference: A Knock at the Competition

But the most intriguing part of Owens’ comments came when he referenced a top AEW star during his critique of Punk. While he didn’t mention any names, it was widely assumed that Owens was talking about AEW World Champion MJF (Maxwell Jacob Friedman).

Owens said, “There are guys who are doing things in the industry now that actually matter. Guys who know how to carry a company and be the face of a promotion. It’s not just about being loud and controversial or trying to play the martyr. You need to back it up with actions.”

Many fans took this as a direct shot at CM Punk’s persona, particularly his “anti-establishment” character and his tendency to stir controversy both in the locker room and on social media. MJF, on the other hand, is known for his heel persona, where he is a loudmouth, but also delivers in the ring and holds the AEW World Championship with a strong focus on building AEW’s brand. This stark contrast between the two AEW stars—Punk’s often controversial demeanor and MJF’s calculated approach—seems to have prompted Owens to choose a side.

Why the Comments Matter: Wrestling’s Ever-Evolving Landscape

Owens’ remarks have added fuel to the fire in the ongoing debate about AEW vs. WWE and the nature of modern wrestling. WWE and AEW have been in constant competition for the attention of wrestling fans, with each company offering different styles and approaches to storytelling, wrestling, and character development. Owens’ comments are a reminder of the rivalries not just between wrestlers but also between promotions.

As WWE continues to position itself as the dominant force in professional wrestling, it’s clear that some superstars, like Kevin Owens, are keen to defend the WWE legacy and place themselves as integral figures in that story. On the flip side, AEW, under Tony Khan’s leadership, has sought to create a space for wrestlers like CM Punk and MJF, who have built their careers on shaking up traditional wrestling conventions.

Impact on Owens’ Reputation: A Bold Move or a Mistake?

Kevin Owens has always been a risk-taker when it comes to his character. Whether it’s in his fierce rivalries or his sometimes controversial opinions, Owens has built his WWE legacy on being authentic and unapologetic. His comments about CM Punk and AEW are just another example of his willingness to ruffle feathers and speak his mind.

However, this boldness comes with consequences. By taking shots at CM Punk and AEW, Owens risks alienating some fans who are loyal to the former WWE Champion or the AEW product as a whole. Wrestling fans are notoriously passionate, and while some may appreciate Owens’ blunt approach, others could see it as crossing the line into disrespect. Furthermore, while Owens is certainly a major star in WWE, his comments may be perceived as undermining AEW’s success and questioning the company’s place in the industry.

That being said, Owens is no stranger to controversy and seems to thrive in situations where he’s able to express himself freely. His reputation as a provocateur might only add to his allure for fans who appreciate his candidness and willingness to speak the truth, regardless of whose toes he steps on.