Samoa Joe Reflects On Recent AEW Collision Match With CM Punk

Samoa Joe and CM Punk clashed for the first time in eighteen years on the July 8 episode of AEW Collision. 

Reflecting on the experience during a recent appearance on the Under the Ring podcast, the Samoan Submission Machine was asked whether he ever expected to square off with his old rival again:

"It's really to be expected. I've found that throughout my career, the same cast of characters pop up. Punk is definitely in that realm of those cast of characters. To see us back in the ring against each other one more time, it's no big surprise", Joe said. 

Asked about the differences between the first time he wrestled the Straight-Edge Superstar and now, the ROH World Television Champion opined: 

"Just experience, a treasure trove of experience. When we first locked up, we were very new in the industry and still very much a journeyman learning. You never stop learning, but at the same time, we definitely knew a hell of a lot less back then". 

Punk defeated Joe in the match to advance to the finals of the Owen Hart Foundation Tournament. However, the former AEW World Champion was unsuccessful in the final, losing to tournament winner Ricky Starks. 

H/T Fightful

Cultaholic Wrestling has an account on Threads! You can follow us here. You can also follow us on Bluesky here.