It was the perfect storm. AEW was in Chicago for their All Out PPV in September. They signed Punk secretly, and while they had previously only booked 5,000-10,000 seat arenas, they booked a much larger arena, the United Center, on August 20th, and drew 15,000 people to set an AEW record. They heavily hinted that Punk would be delivered. They didn't overthink it. The fans showed up, they chanted his name, and the show began with Punk arriving.
Who are you talking to? Because nobody said wrestling wasn't pre-planned.
Yep, it wasn't pretty. Dana took a risk and it failed. Punk was a lot of money, but his dismal performance meant a one-night bump accompanied by a hit on legitimacy, as Punk main-evented the PPV. I doubt Phil Brooks would argue any of these statements, but I doubt most people would pass up an opportunity and pay-day if offered one like that.
Not within the wrestling community. Brock has been around, he’s a big deal but nobody was craving for him like fans were craving a CM Punk return
There are media and entertainment sections. 'Pro' wrestling is not a sport.
