Ricky Starks may not be facing CM Punk at All Out, but he can boast a win over the Best in the World earlier this year.
The pair battled in the final of the Owen Hart Foundation Men’s Tournament, vying to be named the second holder of the prestigious trophy (After last year’s winner Adam Cole).
The pair faced off on the 15th July, 2023, wrestling on the 5th ever episode of AEW Collision. This match helped facilitate a heel turn for Starks, although many do not think this turn was needed.
However, in beating Punk in this match, he became only the third man to beat him in a singles match in AEW.
Ricky Starks Beat CM Punk
In one of the biggest shocks of CM Punk’s career, he suffered his first loss since the summer of 2022 to an up-and-coming Ricky Starks.
This loss came in the final of the second annual Owen Hart Foundation Tournament, in Punk’s first attempt at winning the trophy.
With the son of the late Chris Benoit at ringside in Calgary, Ricky Starks grabbed the ropes as he subtly hinted at a heel turn, pinning Punk with a roll-up.
The match was a decent Collision main event, although it was clear that CM Punk was still getting off the ring rust after his lengthy time out of the ring.
He hadn’t wrestled for 10 months, not since injuring himself during his victory over Jon Moxley at AEW All Out 2022 (although he was also suspended following a brawl after the post-show press conference).
This was the third time CM Punk has lost in AEW in singles matches (losing to MJF and Jon Moxley so far), although all of those matches have been on AEW Dynamite (he is currently undefeated on pay per view).
- Dave Meltzer Star Rating – n/a
- Cagematch Rating – 6.74
- Atletifo Rating – 3 Stars