“Hangman” Adam Page’s 197-day run as AEW World champion came to a sleepy end after CM Punk beat the champ with the GTS to win the AEW World title. The 25-minute match headlined the Double or Nothing pay-per-view last night in Las Vegas.
The title win marks a huge turnaround for Punk who made his return to professional wrestling in August of last year following a seven-year absence.
An emotional Punk shed tears in the ring following the match and FTR came down to the ring to celebrate the win with him. Punk thanked his wife AJ, FTR, and the fans, saying he was grateful for every single one of them and he’s a champion again simply because of them.
“Deserving has nothing to do with this, I f*cking earned this,” Punk said to a large pop from the crowd. Punk promised that they have seen nothing yet before exiting the ring to hugs from FTR again.
This also marks the first time since January 2013 that CM Punk held a major world title for a wrestling promotion.
CM Punk celebrated with FTR after #AEWDoN He joked about never attempting a Buckshot Lariat again, thanked his wife and all of the fans.
“I love every single one of you, and I am the champion once again in professional wrestling because of all of you.” pic.twitter.com/vWDqMqhfOJ
— Ryan Droste (@ryandroste) May 30, 2022
After the show pic.twitter.com/mnnYvUDxLe
— Bryan Rose (@br26) May 30, 2022