9 Ups & 2 Downs From AEW Dynamite (15 Sep)

5. CM Punked

CM Punk
AEW

In case you'd forgotten how great CM Punk is at pro wrestling commentary, the recent returnee reminded you again last night, playing a well-informed, educated, affable, and funny role in the booth with the rest of the Dynamite team. Calling Dan Lambert "Bobby 'The Brain Heenan' but with a wardrobe full of Affliction shirts" was his sharpest line, but Punk was on his game throughout.

This was all table-setting for the real angle, though. Enraged at Punk for "stealing his spot", Taz stormed out with Hook, facilitating Powerhouse Hobbs jumping the 42-year-old and eventually putting him through the announce table. Those two now face on next week's Rampage: Grand Slam.

AEW doesn't do a lot of announce table spots, so this one hit harder than it might on another channel. Add Taz's pettiness to the mix (the guy doesn't even commentate on Dynamite), Hook getting a physical spot in (that Dragon Sleeper looked mean), and this clear elevation for Hobbs, and you have a winning segment.

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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.