CM Punk and Cody Rhodes Featured in AEW 6 Year Anniversary
CM Punk & Cody Rhodes Featured in AEW 6 Year Anniversary. AEW has just celebrated its monumental 6-Year Anniversary, marking six years since the company changed the professional wrestling landscape forever. During the special episode of AEW Dynamite, fans were treated to a nostalgic video compilation titled “AEW: Six Years of Greatness.” The tribute video highlighted unforgettable moments from the company’s history, but what truly caught everyone’s attention was the inclusion of CM Punk and Cody Rhodes — two stars who had once been the cornerstones of All Elite Wrestling but are now thriving in WWE.
Cody Rhodes and CM Punk’s AEW Journey
Cody Rhodes, who is currently WWE Undisputed Champion, was one of the founding figures responsible for bringing AEW to life back in 2019. As an Executive Vice President and active performer, he played a crucial role in establishing AEW as a legitimate alternative to WWE. From his emotional promo segments to his fiery rivalries with MJF, Chris Jericho, and Darby Allin, Cody was a central figure during AEW’s early rise.
On the other hand, CM Punk’s debut in AEW was nothing short of historic. After seven long years of absence from the ring, the “Best in the World” made his shocking return in 2021 at AEW Rampage: The First Dance. The Chicago crowd erupted, and Punk instantly reignited mainstream buzz around AEW. His run featured headline feuds with MJF, Jon Moxley, and “Hangman” Adam Page, as well as unforgettable promos that blurred the line between reality and storyline.
Both men eventually left AEW under tense circumstances — Cody Rhodes departed in early 2022, citing creative differences, while CM Punk exited in 2023 following a backstage incident that led to his termination. Despite their controversial exits, both contributed immensely to AEW’s foundation and success during their respective runs.
AEW Surprises Fans With a Nostalgic Tribute
During the AEW Dynamite 6-Year Anniversary Show, fans noticed something unexpected in the anniversary video package. The compilation included several highlights from AEW’s early years, featuring clips of Cody Rhodes smashing through a glass wall — a memorable image that represented his passion and drive — and CM Punk teaming with Sting while donning the Icon’s legendary black-and-white face paint in a six-minute tag match.
The inclusion of both former AEW stars came as a pleasant surprise to many viewers. Typically, wrestling promotions avoid showcasing wrestlers who have since joined rival companies, especially when their departures were controversial. However, AEW’s decision to feature CM Punk and Cody Rhodes was seen as a moment of maturity and respect toward the company’s history.
Fan Reactions and Community Response
Social media quickly lit up following the segment. Fans on X (formerly Twitter) and Reddit praised AEW for acknowledging the contributions of both Punk and Rhodes despite their complicated histories with the company. Some fans even suggested that the inclusion could signal AEW’s openness to honoring all parts of its legacy — good or bad — without erasing key figures from its narrative.
A popular comment circulating online read:
“Say what you will about AEW, but showing Cody and Punk in that video proves they care more about history than politics.”
This level of fan appreciation not only celebrated the company’s transparency but also reignited conversations about what could have been if both men had stayed with AEW.
Why This Moment Matters
The CM Punk and Cody Rhodes AEW Anniversary feature demonstrates how far AEW has come in just six years. From its independent roots to becoming a major global wrestling brand, the company continues to grow while acknowledging the figures who shaped its early years.
Both Cody and Punk left significant legacies behind — Cody for helping build AEW’s foundation, and Punk for reigniting fan passion during his dramatic return. Their brief presence in AEW’s anniversary package reminds fans that the company’s story is still evolving and that every chapter, even the controversial ones, deserves to be remembered.
Conclusion: AEW’s History Comes Full Circle
AEW’s six-year anniversary celebration wasn’t just about highlighting current stars — it was about honoring every person who made the company what it is today. By including Cody Rhodes and CM Punk in their tribute video, AEW showed respect to its past while continuing to move forward.
Fans may never see either man in an AEW ring again, but their impact remains a permanent part of AEW’s DNA.
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