Multiple CM Punk References Made During 28 July AEW Dynamite

Amid ongoing speculation that CM Punk could be set for a huge return to wrestling with AEW, members of the promotion's roster couldn't help but reference the Second City Saviour during Wednesday's episode of AEW Dynamite.

During this week's edition of Dynamite - Fight For The Fallen - commentator Tony Schiavone announced AEW is heading to the United Center in Chicago on August 20 for AEW Rampage: The First Dance. The news prompted loud chants of 'CM Punk' from the fans in attendance, which the production team seemed only too happy to show off.

The first match of the night also contained a subtle nod to the former WWE Champion. The bout putting The Elite versus Hangman Page and The Dark Order saw Nick Jackson utilise one of Punk's signature moves - a running knee into the corner followed by a Bulldog.

Darby Allin also made reference to CM Punk, albeit in a much blunter and obvious way. The former TNT Champion said: "I’ll be in Chicago. You know, I’ve been around a lot of men in this world that have laid claim to how they’re the greatest.

"There is only one place to really prove that — right here, in AEW. Even, if you think you are the best in the world."

In a final, very subtle reference to CM Punk, MJF opened his closing promo of the night with a nod to Punk's famous 'pipe bomb' promo, following Chris Jericho's match with Nick Gage.

MJF said: "Chris, as you sit there in more pain than you’ve ever been in your entire life, I want you to listen to me.

Punk, during his 2011 pipe bomb, said: "John Cena, while you lay there, hopefully as uncomfortable as you can possibly be, I want you to listen to me."