Sometimes the real story happens after the cameras stop rolling. While CM Punk walked away empty-handed from Monday’s chaotic Money in the Bank qualifier, his post-show gesture toward AJ Styles perfectly captured why longtime wrestling fans live for these generational moments.
Triple Threat Mayhem Delivers Despite the Chaos
RAW’s June 2nd main event threw together three distinct wrestling philosophies in one explosive package. Punk brought his Chicago street fight mentality, Styles delivered his trademark technical excellence, and the mysterious El Grande Americano added an element of intrigue that kept Tulsa on the edge of their seats.
The masked man’s identity became crystal clear once the bell rang—Chad Gable’s amateur wrestling base and Alpha Academy mannerisms were impossible to hide. But credit where it’s due: Gable played the character to perfection and ultimately seized his opportunity when it mattered most.
When Legends Finally Collide
Twenty-one years. That’s how long the wrestling world waited to see CM Punk and AJ Styles lock up in a televised singles environment. Both men carved their names into wrestling history through different paths—Punk through his straight-edge rebellion and pipe bomb promos, Styles through his global journey from TNA to Japan to WWE.
The Oklahoma crowd understood the assignment immediately. “This Is Awesome” chants erupted as these two masters of their craft traded strikes in the ring’s center, creating the kind of organic moment that reminds you why professional wrestling connects on such a deep level.
Interference Overload Shifts the Focus
Just when Punk and Styles found their groove, WWE’s modern booking philosophy kicked into overdrive. Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed crashed the party with their own agendas, turning a wrestling clinic into a pier-six brawl. Jey Uso’s attempted rescue added another layer to the madness.
While some fans might grumble about the interference-heavy finish, it perfectly set up multiple storylines heading into Money in the Bank season. Sometimes chaos serves a purpose in the grand WWE universe.
Punk’s Instagram Post Steals the Show
Hours after the dust settled, Punk took to social media with a message that hit different than your typical post-match social media content:
“I’ve got a lot on my plate right now but I’ll always make room for you. Thank you for the boot print on my nose. Let’s not wait 21 years for the next time. You’re a legend.”
The post showcased everything fans love about CM Punk—respect for the business, acknowledgment of his peers, and just enough wit to keep things interesting. That “boot print on my nose” reference perfectly captured the physical storytelling that made their encounter special.
Why This Moment Matters More Than the Result
Sure, El Grande Americano snagged the Money in the Bank spot, but Punk’s Instagram message reminded everyone what makes wrestling truly memorable. In an era of scripted social media and corporate-approved content, genuine respect between competitors still resonates.
The mutual admiration between Punk and Styles represents something WWE has been trying to recreate artificially for years—authentic chemistry between established stars who genuinely respect each other’s craft.
With both men clearly game for a rematch and WWE’s creative team surely taking notes, one question remains: Will we really have to wait another two decades to see these legends go one-on-one again, or did Monday night plant the seeds for something bigger down the road?
