Five of CM Punk’s best matches… Outside of WWE

It finally happened! After weeks of rumors, teasing from both parties and many MANY hopeful fans getting more rabid with chants and tweets, CM Punk has finally debuted in AEW!

Or he hasn’t… Full disclosure this article was written a couple of days before Rampage ‘The First Dance’ so we still don’t know what’s happened, but we’re all 99% sure he’ll debut tonight right?

It has been over 15 years since Punk has wrestled outside of WWE (and 7 since he wrestled for them) so, after this historic debut (or historically the biggest disappointment in AEW history if he doesn’t), we have decided to show off some absolute classics that he was a part of in the independent scene.

So sit back, relax, read the article and enjoy 3 hours of amazing wrestling with these 5 matches.

CM Punk vs Rey Mysterio vs Eddie Guerrero, IWA Mid-South Spring Heat 2002

With only three years in the industry at the time, Punk was able to hold his own against both Rey Mysterio and Eddie Guerrero in their prime.

From fast paced high spots to beautiful three-man submissions, to the close calls you can only see in a triple threat, this match shows each man at their best.

The finish, in which Eddie counters a hurricanrana attempt from Mysterio by lifting him to a top rope Punk, only for Punk to take a top rope rana and a frog splash, is a particular highlight which is worth seeking out

CM Punk vs AJ Styles, ROH at our Best 2004

The ROH Pure Championship sure is a fun one. Its unique ruleset really emphasizes technical wrestling and drama, and this finals match in a tournament to become the inaugural title holder has both in spades.

The ending, which sees Styles perform a Bret’s rope Styles Clash, had our jaws on the floor! If you’re one of the many fans who want to see these guys face each other in 2021, be sure to give this one a watch.

CM Punk vs Chris Hero, wXw Back To The Roots 3

There were so many stunning matches that took place between Chris Hero and CM Punk in the early 2000s it was hard to choose just one. But in the end we chose this belter of an Iron Man match that took place in wXw back in 2004.

One of the things that elevated this match over the others for us was the crowd. That night in Germany the crowd was white hot, with Hero receiving a Hero’s welcome and Punk being (almost) unanimously hated.

This also felt like a “Greatest Hits” match. With it being relatively late in their rivalry there were many callbacks to their previous matches, which gives long time fans of the two little easter eggs to enjoy.

CM Punk vs Bryan Danielson, ROH Reborn: Stage One

These two men have both been called the best in the world, so you know this match is going to be good before it even starts!

And on top of that, the special guest referee is regarded as one of the best of his time, Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat, who did a great job of involving the fans in this contest.

A textbook example of technical wrestling at its finest, Punk shows off his skills as a slimy heel, where Bryan plays his job perfectly as a hard hitting babyface.

Any aspiring wrestler should give this match a watch to see a master-class on working an area, with Bryan’s constant working of the abdomen directly leading into the finish.

Samoa Joe vs CM Punk, ROH Joe vs Punk II

Yes, we have to agree, this is CM Punk’s best non-WWE match ever, maybe even his best match ever.

Part of the epic trilogy between the two men, there isn’t much more that can be said about this 60-minute classic that hasn’t been said everywhere else.

Just watch it, you’ll thank us later.