Punk vs. Darby

[Heartbreaker]

Probably a bit overshadowed by Bryan, but I thought that was a fun match for Punk's debut. Given it was his first match in seven years, I wasn't expecting anything crazy or 5 stars. A good way to help put over Darby while previewing what Punk is going to bring to the table in 2021. Looking forward to seeing his next feud.

Also, KENTA still ain't happy about Punk LMAO. I can't show his tweet but he said "f*** YOU CM PUNK" so I can't wait for the day they cross paths.

[khali]

Loved the match. It felt like a Bret Hart match. It had a slow build, and Punk’s facial expressions especially reminded me of how Bret would react. Felt more like ROH Punk.

And in general, I loved the variety of styles. We got hoss fights, cage match insanity, and some slower old school wrestling. I don’t want all the matches to be the same. I want that.

[HMARK Center]

Someone on Reddit compared Punk’s reaction to getting arm dragged by Darby out of their collar and elbow tie up with Bret reacting to the same thing when 1-2-3 Kid did it in their title match. Punk’s been studying the classics, by the sound of it.

All seriousness, a solid, solid match: Darby was the spark plug throughout, but Punk more than held up his end of the bargain, had killer expressions and reactions, and he looks ready to really hit the ground running.

[Facetious]

I liked it. Darby is quick and nimble so Punk used his veteran knowledge to get around his ring rust and slow down the pace.

[HMARK Center]

Sept 5, 2021 23:52:15 GMT -5 khali said:

Loved the match. It felt like a Bret Hart match. It had a slow build, and Punk’s facial expressions especially reminded me of how Bret would react. Felt more like ROH Punk.

And in general, I loved the variety of styles. We got hoss fights, cage match insanity, and some slower old school wrestling. I don’t want all the matches to be the same. I want that.

That’s also something that feels like classic ROH: a promotion that would offer something for everyone on its cards, as you’d usually get a crazy opening match spot fest to pop the crowd, some sound technical work, a hardcore match, some comedy, King’s Road influenced main event style, etc.

[Chiral]

I thought it was fun, there was a bit more rest holds than I was expecting but it IS his first match back in seven years so I won't be harsh on Punk there lol

I did spend a good thirty minutes of this weekend watch him teasing going through the heel tunnel LOL

[Deleted]

Dope match. Yeah Punk's dope and he can still go but more than anything it showed me that Darby's really that dude. I knew he was but this match really showed everyone (including Punk) that he can do what you need him to do. Go with an experienced veteran who's fast, he got you, slower? He got you, new guy? He got you, need selling? He got you. Long matches, he got you. Technical? Boy lol, that man's got you. He's the full package.

He's the best guy for Punk's first match back. Punk's probably happy.

[Bang Bang Bart]

The counter to the Coffin Drop just being a Taker-style situp was hilarious.

[Zone Was Wrong]

First half felt like Punk shaking off ring rust and doing something no one else has really tried with Darby, Just wrestle him to the ground and tire him out. Once Darby started to come back, Punk had to step up the game and slowly start to pull out more by the end. It was a terrifically told match and was very story based. Overall damn good match and it felt like Punk had more to offer without pulling everything out of the toolshed.

[smokinvokoun86]

I thought it was a beautifully wrestled match. Punk was never considered a flippy guy, he was always more of a technical mat wrestler, who occasionally did flying moves. Like Bret Hart. They told a beautiful story, basically Darby helped Punk feel out wrestling again. He looked great.

It was exactly what it needed to be. It didn’t have major heat because that’s not what the match was about. I imagine when he gets into real feuds that we will see a more heated match. But right now the draw was seeing Punk in the ring again. And it was extremely successful.

[Heartbreaker]

Sept 5, 2021 23:55:59 GMT -5 Bang Bang Bart said:

The counter to the Coffin Drop just being a Taker-style situp was hilarious.

I hate the Coffin Drop so I laughed really hard.

[Bang Bang Bart]

Sept 6, 2021 0:00:31 GMT -5 Heartbreaker said:

Sept 5, 2021 23:55:59 GMT -5 Bang Bang Bart said:

The counter to the Coffin Drop just being a Taker-style situp was hilarious.

I hate the Coffin Drop so I laughed really hard.

Punk’s shit-eating grin and head shake sold it for me.

[ASYLUMHAUSEN]

Sept 5, 2021 23:55:59 GMT -5 Bang Bang Bart said:

The counter to the Coffin Drop just being a Taker-style situp was hilarious.

And based on the look on Punks face when the camera cut to him?

Yeah. He knew exactly what the f*** he was doing there 😂

[Deleted]

If we're going to get cosplay Bret Hart Punk I am ALL THE WAY IN.

[Urethra Franklin]

It was a little slow to start and then picked up and turned into something I thought was very good.

What I thought worked is that you had this very deliberate Punk against a more reckless Darby and instead of clashing the two styles complemented one another.

[Xxcjb01xX [PIECE OF: SH-]]

Match put Darby squarely on the map as THAT DUDE.

Also showed Punk has plenty more to give

Was fantastic in everything it wanted to accomplish.

[Mochi Lone Wolf]

Sept 5, 2021 23:52:32 GMT -5 HMARK Center said:

Someone on Reddit compared Punk’s reaction to getting arm dragged by Darby out of their collar and elbow tie up with Bret reacting to the same thing when 1-2-3 Kid did it in their title match. Punk’s been studying the classics, by the sound of it.

All seriousness, a solid, solid match: Darby was the spark plug throughout, but Punk more than held up his end of the bargain, had killer expressions and reactions, and he looks ready to really hit the ground running.

They pretty much cribbed a lot of the opening of Kid and Bret when Kid got the better of Bret during the first lock up and made the "Not bad" face.

[Deleted]

Maybe because I’ve been watching wrestling all day.

Jericho/MJF
Punk/Darby
Cage/Omega

All felt like they took forever to get into second gear. But once the got going and the right guy won. I enjoyed all three.

[cj3]

It was good for what it was. It reminds me of Nakamura vs Zayn, it was mainly meant to get the new guy over and I'm ok with that

[smokinvokoun86]

Sept 6, 2021 0:43:06 GMT -5 @uppitynerd said:

Maybe because I’ve been watching wrestling all day.

Jericho/MJF
Punk/Darby
Cage/Omega

All felt like they took forever to get into second gear. But once the got going and the right guy won. I enjoyed all three.

They were slower story based matches. And I like that style a lot. I think it shows AEW isn’t just spot fests with flippy guys. I love all styles in AEW right now.