7 Ups & 4 Downs From AEW Dynamite: Quake By The Lake (10 Aug)

by Andy H Murray

1. A Monster Pop For A Monster Return

CM Punk
AEW

Minneapolis' pop for CM Punk's AEW return hit like a triple espresso first thing in the morning.

It was electric. The kind of angle that puts your heart through your ribcage and your arm hair on end, showing, again, that the most straightforward ideas are often the best ideas in this sport.

The Jericho Appreciation Society had a clear numerical advantage in their post-match beatdown of Moxley, whose help comprised of Blackpool Combat Club, Ortiz, and Eddie Kingston. This set the stage for an equalizer. 'Cult of Personality' hit, the audience members lost their minds, and CM Punk blasted back for the first time in over two months, putting JAS members down on the ramp, clearing the ring of any stragglers, and going nose-to-nose with Mox.

Who raised a middle finger in his face.

Punk added an extra level of detail by hobbling around the ring, selling his recent foot injury. That AEW didn't mess around by waiting to set the tone was appreciated, too. This unification match was inevitable and both men are beloved - but a respectful few weeks heading into a neat, tidy pay-per-view match wouldn't fit their characters.

Defiance does.

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Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.