The Elephant in the Ring: AJ Styles Opens Up About the Bitter Fallout With CM Punk That No One Saw Coming
The wrestling world witnessed something special on the latest episode of WWE Raw. On the surface, it was a World Heavyweight Championship match between two legends: AJ Styles and CM Punk. But beneath the high-flying moves and near-falls, there was a current of real, raw emotion that had been building for nearly two decades.
For the first time, AJ Styles is pulling back the curtain on what that moment truly meant to him. And it turns out that match was about far more than just gold.
In a candid moment on the latest WWE Vlog, The Phenomenal One reflected on stepping into the ring with Punk. While fans saw a competitive bout that was unfortunately marred by interference from Finn Balor, Styles saw an opportunity to mend fences that had been broken for years.
“It was a privilege,” Styles admitted, his voice carrying the weight of their shared history. He revealed that their relationship wasn’t always the stuff of dream matches. In fact, there was a time when things were incredibly rough between them.
“It really, really bothered me,” Styles confessed, explaining how a once-close bond soured over time. Like many relationships in the high-pressure bubble of professional wrestling, miscommunication and pride created a rift. They were two competitors who, in his words, got “caught up in their bubbles.” The unspoken tension was a burden that Styles carried with him.
But their recent encounter wasn’t about rehashing old arguments. It was about proving that growth is possible. Styles spoke with a wisdom that only time can provide, emphasizing that life is simply too short for grudges.
“We are living proof that we live and learn, forget, forgive, and move on,” he stated powerfully. “We don’t think about a lot of the same things, but that doesn’t separate us from being friends and being appreciative of each other.”
In an industry often fueled by ego, this moment of vulnerability was a stark reminder that the people in the ring are human first. Styles made it clear that he and Punk have both said things they regret, but they’ve chosen to leave that baggage at the door. For Styles, that match wasn’t just a championship opportunity; it was closure and a new beginning wrapped into one.
The Final Bell or a New Beginning?
The emotional weight of that night in Atlanta leads to the question now echoing across the internet: Was that the last time we’ll see AJ Styles wrestle?
WWE is set to honor Styles this Monday night on Raw in Atlanta with a special tribute show. The timing is telling. With his current WWE contract reportedly expiring this month, speculation is at an all-time high. While the tribute has the air of a farewell, sources suggest the industry veteran isn’t necessarily ready to hang up his boots for good.
Interest in Styles is reportedly high outside of WWE. Both AEW and TNA Wrestling are said to be eager to work with the former champion should he become a free agent. A return to New Japan Pro-Wrestling, the scene of some of his most iconic career moments, also remains a tantalizing possibility for fans.
Whether Monday night marks the end of his run with WWE or simply a pivot to the next chapter, one thing is certain: AJ Styles is leaving a legacy of in-ring excellence and, as he just proved, profound humanity.
