CM Punk returned to WWE at last month's Survivor Series: WarGames, but his in-ring return took place last night in Madison Square Garden. The non-televised show was a sellout and is an annual tradition for the company on the day after Christmas.
As advertised, Punk squared off with The Judgement Day's Dominik Mysterio in the Best in the World's first match in WWE since January 2014 (when he competed at the Royal Rumble in the 30-man match).
Punk, who last wrestled Samoa Joe during what would prove to be his final AEW appearance at August's All In PPV, put on a great show and emerged victorious after hitting Mysterio with his patented GTS.
After the match, Punk addressed the crowd and said, "There's a little part of me that came here for me, but you guys are the high tide that raises all ships. You have carried me throughout my career to my greatest moments and this is one of them."
After encouraging fans to turn to their fellow audience members and say hello and shake hands, he told them that he's grateful to wake up each day and to be back in a WWE ring where they can see him compete.
He concluded by making his future plans clear. "I came to finish what I started. It starts tonight in the world's most famous arena and the greatest fans on Earth." Vowing to win the Royal Rumble and main event WrestleMania, Punk added, "That isn't me finishing my story, that's just me getting started." Clearly, Cody Rhodes has some competition for that coveted title match!
WWE has released a couple of official videos showcasing Punk's MSG return, while we also have fan footage of his thunderous entrance, the entire match, and his post-bout promo.
You can check those out in the X posts below.
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