3 AEW wrestlers Punk has had issues with, and two that he loves

3 AEW wrestlers CM Punk has had legitimate heat with, and 2 he loves

#4. CM Punk loves Taz

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Taz was one of Punk's former companions in WWE. Their relationship dates back to their days in ECW around 2006. Punk and Taz have appeared occasionally on AEW television together -- sometimes on commentary, briefly even calling each other out during a short feud between Punk and Powerhouse Hobbs. While the two may be portaying babyface and heel rivals, privately, they appear to be close friends.

Previously, Taz has discussed Punk at length, stating how much he enjoys his work and respects in-ring talent, as well as his overall gimmick. In that same interview, Taz mentioned that he and Punk were close friends during their time in WWE, but that they failed to keep in touch in the years after they both left the company.

Given that Punk and Taz are now working in the same company again, it's very likely their friendship has resumed in AEW.

#3. Punk has had heat with Matt Hardy in WWE

CM Punk and Matt Hardy were two of the most popular wrestlers that worked for WWE during the late 2000s'. When Punk entered the main event picture, one of his first feuds (and still one of his overall best) was against Matt's brother, Jeff. For most of 2009, the two feuded over the World Championship, resulting in several fantastic matches and some very dramatic promos between the two.

In the last few years of Jeff Hardy's late 2000s' run in WWE, he suffered various drug and alcohol-related issues. As Punk is an openly straight edge wrestler, the two's feud took a personal spin, with Punk criticizing Hardy's lifestyle and past personal substance abuse issues.

Ultimately, Jeff Hardy would leave the company for TNA, producing a video alongside Matt where they mocked Punk and his straight edge lifestyle. Given how close Matt is to his brother, it's likely he shares his Jeff's animosity towards Punk.

Similarly, it's almost certain that Punk hasn't forgotten that both Jeff and Matt were in that video together, possibly holding a grudge against both brothers as a result.