6 Ups & 3 Downs From AEW Dynamite (27 Oct)

2. CM Punk Overcomes Bobby Fish

The finish to CM Punk vs. Bobby Fish gets a supplemental Down, as Fish kicked out of the Go 2 Sleep within a split-second of Paul Turner's hand hitting the mat for a third time. This was either an unfortunate miscommunication or an ill-advised attempt at maintaining Fish's heat in defeat. Though Punk's injured knee meant he couldn't pin Bobby immediately, there was little need for a visual kickout in a Dynamite opener. Fish, for all his skill, isn't being booked as a main event player here.

The rest of it? Great.

Fish worked the leg. He kicked, snapped, and pulled at Punk's limb to slow him down and neutralise his biggest moves, drawing some outstanding selling from the Chicagoan in the process. The way that Punk conveys hurt and struggle is extremely refreshing in AEW. Constantly wincing, limping, and clutching the knee as damage is inflicted, he neglects no detail, making his opponent's offense look lethal in the process.

Punk's early strategy was to tie Fish up and close the distance, preventing him from utilising his striking advantage. He was made to labour his way to victory again, once again showing that if Punk is to regain 'Best in the World' status, he is going to have to work harder than anyone in AEW. Every match drains him, physically and mentally, as it should.