10 Shocking Acts Of Violence In AEW
5. MJF Hangs A Blood-Soaked CM Punk
In the two years since 'Brawl Out', and a year since his departure from AEW, the narrative around CM Punk's time in All Elite Wrestling has soured. Understandably, those loyal to the company blame the man, and those loyal to the man blame the company. But there should be no mistake that, during his run, CM Punk was an asset to AEW, and wrestling on the whole.
None more so than his generational feud with MJF.
Up to that point, the 'Salt of the Earth' had been positioned as an upper-card heel, but the momentum of The Pinnacle was waning. Then, during some explosive and masterful promos, MJF and CM Punk built one of the best feuds in recent memory. It wasn't a one-sided one, either, as MJF's promo about being bullied still ranks as his best to date. It added a layer to the story when he revealed he looked to Punk as a hero.
When CM Punk decided to let down his guard, just a few days before their Dog Collar Match and embrace Maxwell, he fell into the trap as MJF kicked him in the grapefruits, and then masterfully had The Pinnacle hold back the Daily's Place security. A brutal and violent beatdown followed, and MJF draped a bloodied Punk over the ropes and encouraged Shawn Spears to hang him.
It was gruesome and it was incredible, and really underlined just how dangerous MJF really could be.