Why WWE Hall of Famer believes CM Punk is getting the John Cena treatment in AEW?

WWE veteran Bully Ray highlighted the mixed reactions CM Punk has been receiving following his return to AEW and presented his thoughts on them.

Why WWE Hall of Famer believes CM Punk is getting the John Cena treatment in AEW?

CM Punk and John Cena (via The SportsRush)

The wrestling fans witnessed CM Punk’s return on the inaugural episode of AEW Collision. His anticipated return saw him get cheered on by his hometown crowd in Chicago. However, during his entrance in Toronto, whether at Collision (June 24) or Forbidden Door II (June 25) he was getting booed by the Canadian crowd. Speaking in a podcast, regarding this dichotomy, WWE veteran Bully Ray said that Punk is receiving the John Cena treatment in AEW.

Bully Ray, a.k.a. Bubba Ray Dudley recently appeared on the Busted Open Radio show. Along with Mark Henry and Dave LaGreca, Ray spoke about the Forbidden Door II event. The WWE veteran said that he enjoyed Punk’s match with Satoshi Kojima on that show. He praised Kojima and called him a good opponent for the Best in the World. Bully Ray further compared CM Punk’s reaction from the audience to that of early John Cena in WWE.

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Bully Ray highlighted that Punk’s presence received a massive response from the crowd. He believes that is what matters most for any star. The former Tag Team Champion stated that whether the audience hates him or loves him, they will surely engage with to him. The WWE veteran said that the crowd undoubtedly enjoys his presence in the arena.

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Bubba Ray Dudley explained the dichotomy while stating that the crowd is not sure what they will get from Punk. He appreciated the former WWE star and said that his rawness makes the audience tune in to the shows for him. Punk’s match with Kojima was part of the Owen Hart Foundation Cup Men’s Tournament.

The Forbidden Door event kicked off the semifinal of this tournament with this hard-hitting match. CM Punk emerged victorious in this match after applying GTS. His opponent for the semifinals will be decided after the second semi-final match between Samoa Joe and Roderick Strong on the July 1 episode of AEW Collision.

Related: WATCH: Bryan Danielson makes his entrance with a surprising fan-favorite theme song at Forbidden Door 2

CM Punk and The Elite was set apart by AEW

CM Punk and The Elite
CM Punk and The Elite (via ComicBook.com)

Ever since CM Punk’s return to AEW, the company has made sure that The Elite does not encounter Punk. As a result, it led to The Elite’s absence at AEW Collision and also at the AEW Dynamite show. It was inevitable for them to be separated at the AEWxNJPW: Forbidden Door II event on June 25.

Fightful reported that the company kept CM Punk and The Elite on the extreme ends of Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. To avoid any kind of brawl between the stars, AEW made sure to get done with Punk’s match in the second spot of the show. On the other hand, the stacked match card had The Elite’s match later.

The Young Bucks and Adam Page emerged victorious in a 10-man tag team match lasting for twenty minutes. Kenny Omega lost his IWGP United States Championship to Will Ospreay in a classic match. On the other hand, Punk defeated Satoshi Kojima to advance to the semifinals of the Owen Hart Foundation Cup Tournament.

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