AJ Styles has expressed his eagerness to battle CM Punk despite ‘expecting a problem’ after the latter’s return to WWE.
‘The Phenomenal One’ was asked to share his thoughts on CM Punk’s return to WWE during his interview on The Ringer Wrestling Show. Styles admitted that he predicted it would be a problem to have his former rival in WWE but all seems well. The former WWE Champion further said that he would want to share the ring with Punk. He said:
“I mean, if you know anything about AJ Styles and CM Punk, you would know that we really don’t care for each other. But if you want me to ruin everything that you think you know, I can. Past performance predicts future behavior, right? Some over at AEW are my best friends – love ‘em, trust ‘em, know ‘em. And I was expecting a problem when [Punk] came here – and I was wrong. The guy looks like he’s happy to be here. He looks like a guy that I’d want to step in the ring with and tear the house down with.”
AJ Styles tells us how he really feels about CM Punk’s comeback to WWE! @DavidShoemaker @Kazeem @StatGuyGreg pic.twitter.com/JeFHvKbBg4
— The Ringer Wrestling Show (@ringerwrestling) April 4, 2024
It is no secret that AJ Styles and CM Punk have had a tumultuous relationship since the 2000s. They previously shared the ring when they were a part of the ROH roster but Styles parted ways with the promotion in 2004. That was the last time they battled each other and notably Styles has been vocal about not wanting to face Punk ever again.
AJ Styles and CM Punk’s involvement in WrestleMania 40
AJ Styles is set to face LA Knight at this weekend’s WrestleMania 40. On the other hand, things haven’t turned out too well for CM Punk lately. ‘The Second City Saint’ scripted one of the historic moments in WWE when he made his comeback at Survivor Series: WarGames PLE last month. Without question, the pro wrestling world was shocked by what transpired in Chicago. He soon gained momentum and seemed that a title shot would be on the cards for WrestleMania 40.
However, he sustained a torn tricep during the 2024 Men’s Royal Rumble match which has kept him on the shelf. But he has made it clear he would be still involved in the ‘Show of Shows’ in some capacity.
With Styles changing his stance and CM Punk returning to the squared circle in the next few months, we could certainly witness the two legends work with each other again.