CM Punk returned to AEW on the debut episode of Collision, causing controversy on the mic while holding a bright red bag in his hand.
Many fans have wondered what the significance of it was, and are keen to find out what is in CM Punk’s bag.
CM Punk opened the debut episode of AEW Collision with a fiery in-ring promo, being welcomed back like a God in his hometown of Chicago.
The former AEW Champion had not been seen since All Out 2022, when he won the AEW Championship from Jon Moxley in the main event of the show.
In the post-match press conference, he ran down The Elite and Colt Cabana, before having a backstage fight with the former. He was stripped of the AEW Championship and was kept away from AEW until last night.
His promo last night reference the controversy with The Elite, calling them “Counterfeit Bucks” during a promo that will no doubt ruffle some feathers backstage.
He did all this while holding a red bag in his hand, of which the content was not revealed. However, given the clues laid out by CM Punk, we can make some educated guesses as to what is in the bag.
What Is In CM Punk’s Bag?
It’s likely that the AEW Championship is in CM Punk’s bag from AEW Collision. This may be confusing, considering MJF is the current AEW Champion, but makes complete sense if you think about it.
In his return promo on AEW Collision, CM Punk reference a red bag he had carried to the ring.
He spoke about his tricep injury that cost him 10 months of his career, before mentioning how he had “what’s in this bag above my head” the last time fans saw him in the ring.
This is heavily implied to be the AEW Championship, which CM Punk won from Jon Moxley in his last match in AEW, prior to his return on Collision.
He then made reference to the MJF, who has claimed to have had the best dog collar match of all time in recent week. Punk correctly stated that he won that match, throwing shade at the AEW Champion.
Punk then moved on to say that the thing in bag “belongs to me” until somebody beats him for it in a match. This further shows that the item is like the AEW Championship belt, as they are traditionally won in matches in the ring.
CM Punk then put his bag down and revealed that he was not retiring because nobody in AEW “can fill these boots”, implying he is still the top star in the company.
“The last time you saw me, my tricep meat was hanging down. I held what’s in this bag above my head, not because I deserve it, but because I earned it. It’s mine, not because I had the best dog collar match, but because I won the dog collar match. Don’t accuse me of lying.
“This belongs to me until somebody can pin me or submit me for it. [Applause] Some of you may have been praying that I would relinquish these in the ring and disappear into the sunset, never to be seen again. [Applause] But until there is someone in this company who can fill these boots, they belong on my feet. Let me know if I’m lying.”
CM Punk on what’s in his bag on AEW Collision
Having a second AEW Championship would also make sense given the upcoming rumored brand split in the company.
With the roster being split in two, many speculated Orange Cassidy would use his AEW International Championship as the world title on Collision.
However, instead it seems like Punk will use this second AEW title belt as the world title on Collision, until a new championship title is decided upon (similar to Seth Rollins’ new World Heavyweight Championship in WWE).
This could also lead to a unification match against MJF some time down the line, although nothing has been confirmed yet.
If you use any quotes form this article, please H/T Atletifo for the transcription.