CM Punk Vs MJF: Dog Collar Match - Rating & Analysis

The CM Punk vs. MJF dog collar match is a brutal and emotionally charged encounter that took place at AEW Revolution 2022. This match was more than just a wrestling contest; it was a culmination of a deeply personal and intense rivalry that had been brewing for months. The dog collar stipulation added a layer of violence and intimacy, forcing both competitors to confront each other in a way that a standard match could never achieve. In this comprehensive analysis, we will delve into the various aspects of this unforgettable match, exploring its storyline, in-ring action, crowd reaction, and overall impact on both CM Punk and MJF's careers.

Storyline and Build-Up

The storyline leading up to the CM Punk vs. MJF dog collar match was a masterclass in long-term storytelling. It all began with MJF, a young and ambitious heel, constantly referencing and undermining CM Punk's legacy. MJF's promos were cutting and personal, often blurring the lines between reality and fiction. He targeted Punk's past struggles, his departure from wrestling, and his perceived shortcomings. Punk, on the other hand, initially tried to dismiss MJF as just another annoying upstart. However, MJF's relentless attacks eventually drew Punk into a deeply personal feud.

As the rivalry intensified, MJF scored a shocking victory over Punk in Punk's hometown of Chicago, marking Punk's first loss in AEW. This defeat was a major blow to Punk's ego and forced him to re-evaluate his approach. The feud took a darker turn when MJF revealed personal details about Punk's troubled past, including his struggles with mental health and substance abuse. This crossed a line and made the rivalry incredibly personal and uncomfortable. Punk, visibly shaken, vowed to make MJF pay for his transgressions. The dog collar match was then announced, promising a violent and decisive conclusion to their bitter feud.

The build-up included intense promo battles, physical confrontations, and mind games that kept fans on the edge of their seats. MJF's ability to get under Punk's skin was unparalleled, and Punk's desire for revenge was palpable. The dog collar stipulation perfectly encapsulated the personal and violent nature of their rivalry, promising a match that would be both physically and emotionally taxing for both men.

In-Ring Action and Match Highlights

The CM Punk vs. MJF dog collar match was a brutal and physical affair from the opening bell. The dog collar itself became a central element of the match, used both as a weapon and a tool for control. Both men were visibly marked and bloodied as they traded blows and used the collar to inflict punishment. The match was not just about wrestling moves; it was about a fight, a struggle for dominance and personal vindication.

Key moments in the match included:

• Early exchanges: Both men immediately went on the offensive, using the dog collar to whip and choke each other. The intensity was high from the start, with neither man willing to back down.
• Use of the environment: The wrestlers utilized the ring posts, barricades, and even the steel steps to inflict damage. The match spilled outside the ring on multiple occasions, adding to the chaotic and unpredictable nature of the contest.
• Near falls and submission attempts: There were several moments where it appeared that one man was on the verge of victory, only for the other to mount a comeback. The near falls were incredibly dramatic, with the crowd reacting wildly to each close call.
• The finish: The ending of the match was particularly memorable. After a grueling back-and-forth battle, Punk managed to gain the upper hand and secure the victory. The visual of Punk standing over a defeated and bloodied MJF was a powerful image that encapsulated the cathartic nature of the victory.

Throughout the match, the physicality was unrelenting. Both Punk and MJF took a beating, showcasing their toughness and willingness to endure pain. The dog collar added a unique and visceral element to the match, making it stand out from other encounters. It was a brutal and memorable contest that lived up to the hype.

Crowd Reaction and Atmosphere

The crowd reaction to the CM Punk vs. MJF dog collar match was electric. The fans were heavily invested in the storyline and were eager to see Punk finally get his revenge on MJF. The atmosphere in the arena was intense, with the crowd chanting for both men at different points in the match. The fans were on their feet for much of the contest, reacting to every near fall, every strike, and every twist in the story.

The crowd's energy added to the overall drama and excitement of the match. Their reactions amplified the impact of the key moments, making the match feel even more significant. The chants and cheers created a sense of communal investment, as if the fans were personally involved in the outcome of the battle.

In addition to the live crowd, the match also generated a significant buzz online. Social media was flooded with comments and reactions, with fans praising the match for its physicality, storytelling, and emotional intensity. The match trended on Twitter for hours after it concluded, further solidifying its place as a memorable moment in AEW history.

Impact on CM Punk and MJF's Careers

The CM Punk vs. MJF dog collar match had a significant impact on both CM Punk and MJF's careers. For CM Punk, the victory over MJF was a major moment of redemption. After suffering a humiliating loss to MJF in his hometown, Punk needed to prove that he could still compete at the highest level. The dog collar match provided him with the opportunity to do just that.

Punk's victory over MJF not only avenged his earlier loss but also re-established him as a top star in AEW. It showed that he was willing to go to extreme lengths to achieve his goals and that he was still capable of delivering in the biggest matches. The victory gave Punk a renewed sense of confidence and momentum, setting him up for future success.

For MJF, the loss to Punk was a setback, but it was also a learning experience. Despite the defeat, MJF proved that he could hang with one of the biggest names in the industry. He showed that he was capable of delivering compelling performances on the grandest stage and that he had the potential to become a major star.

The match also elevated MJF's status as a top heel in AEW. His ability to generate heat and draw the ire of the crowd was unparalleled, and his performance in the dog collar match only solidified his reputation as one of the most detestable villains in professional wrestling. While the loss was a blow to his ego, it ultimately helped him to grow as a performer and set him up for future success.

Match Rating and Analysis

Evaluating the CM Punk vs. MJF dog collar match requires considering several factors: the quality of the in-ring action, the effectiveness of the storytelling, the crowd reaction, and the overall impact on the performers' careers. Weighing all these aspects, the match is widely regarded as a classic encounter that showcased the best of what professional wrestling has to offer.

• In-Ring Action: The match was brutal, physical, and intense. The use of the dog collar added a unique and visceral element, making the match stand out from other encounters. The wrestlers used the environment effectively, and the near falls were incredibly dramatic.
• Storytelling: The storyline leading up to the match was a masterclass in long-term storytelling. The personal and emotional nature of the rivalry was effectively conveyed, and the match served as a satisfying conclusion to the feud.
• Crowd Reaction: The crowd was heavily invested in the match and reacted passionately to every key moment. The atmosphere in the arena was electric, adding to the overall drama and excitement of the contest.
• Impact: The match had a significant impact on both CM Punk and MJF's careers. It re-established Punk as a top star and elevated MJF's status as a top heel.

Considering all these factors, the CM Punk vs. MJF dog collar match is deserving of a high rating. It was a memorable and impactful encounter that will be remembered as one of the best matches in AEW history. It’s a match that perfectly blended wrestling skill with raw emotion, making it a standout in both men's careers and a highlight for AEW.

Conclusion

The CM Punk vs. MJF dog collar match was more than just a wrestling match; it was a culmination of a deeply personal and intense rivalry. The match was brutal, physical, and emotionally charged, showcasing the best of what professional wrestling has to offer. The storyline leading up to the match was a masterclass in long-term storytelling, and the crowd reaction was electric.

The match had a significant impact on both CM Punk and MJF's careers, re-establishing Punk as a top star and elevating MJF's status as a top heel. Overall, the CM Punk vs. MJF dog collar match was a classic encounter that will be remembered as one of the best matches in AEW history. Guys, this is a match you should definitely check out if you haven't already. It's a wild ride from start to finish!