At AEW Collision, fans witnessed one of the most exhilarating and talked-about events in recent history: CM Punk successfully defended his self-proclaimed "Real" AEW World Championship against a formidable contender in Ricky Starks.
The clash between these talented titans kept fans on the edge of their seats throughout the evening, drawing a thunderous reception from the live audience in South Carolina.
Punk and Starks' Epic Showdown
From the outset, the atmosphere was electric, with fans chanting, "This Is Awesome," as the two competitors showcased their wrestling prowess.
CM Punk, who has long maintained that his AEW World Championship is legitimate and accurate, was determined to prove his claim and retain his belt. On the other hand, Starks aimed to dethrone the self-proclaimed king and make his mark in the annals of wrestling.
The stakes grew even higher with the inclusion of the legendary Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat in an outside officiating capacity. His presence provided a nostalgic touch, reminding fans of an era of wrestling marked by honor and sportsmanship.
The drama unfolded when the primary official, Stephon Smith, suffered an unexpected blow rendering him incapacitated momentarily. Starks, seizing the opportunity, tried to leverage the ropes for a pin on Punk, only to have Steamboat intervene.
The legend promptly knocked Starks' feet off the ropes, ensuring a fair play atmosphere. Such an intervention led Starks to divert his focus momentarily, addressing Steamboat with palpable frustration. This distraction allowed CM Punk to execute a quick cradle on Starks.
Steamboat didn't hesitate to jump into the ring with the primary referee out of commission, counting the decisive pinfall that would see Punk triumph. The evening was a testament to the unpredictable nature of wrestling, where alliances and rivalries can shift the course of a match in mere moments.
The combined talents of Punk, Starks, and the ever-watchful Steamboat turned AEW Collision's main event into a wrestling masterclass, further cementing AEW's position as a force to be reckoned with in professional wrestling.