Bryan Danielson Taking CM Punk’s Place on AEW Collision

Bryan Danielson has thrived in the past when replacing CM Punk

History is repeating itself in AEW.

Over the past two weeks on Collision, Bryan Danielson has stepped into the starring role. That part was initially cast for CM Punk, who was fired by the company just over a week ago.

There is a reason this feels familiar. That is because we have been here before.

In June of 2005, Punk won the Ring of Honor title. But the reign lasted only 55 days, and Punk was off to make magic in WWE. After he left, Danielson won the belt, crafting an iconic 462-day title run that put him on the map as one of wrestling’s rising stars.

Then it happened again. When Punk acrimoniously exited WWE in 2014, one of his final emphatic statements was rejecting the opportunity to wrestle Triple H at WrestleMania XXX. The card was reshuffled, and that spot against Triple H went to Danielson, working in WWE as Daniel Bryan–and his night ended with two victories and two world title belts as the “Yes! Movement” reached its zenith in the New Orleans Superdome.

After his departure from WWE, Punk left wrestling altogether until 2021. That was when he returned, generating instant excitement the moment he debuted for AEW. There were plenty of highs for Punk in AEW. Those include his return match against Darby Allin, a fantastic pay-per-view bout against Samoa Joe this summer, and a very entertaining program with Jon Moxley, as well as compelling promos whenever he picked up a microphone. But unfortunately, before he could lock up with Danielson, Punk was gone from the company.

A major project for Punk during his final months in AEW was the launch of Collision, which airs Saturday nights on TNT. Though Saturdays are a great time to watch a show in-person, it is an incredibly difficult night to build an audience on television, especially amidst college football season in the fall. Yet the show was developing an identity, with Punk playing a central role, until his relationship with AEW came to an end.

Last week, the crowd for Collision in Chicago was undoubtedly disappointed not to see Punk. But a surprise return from Danielson was the highlight of the night. This past Saturday in Cleveland, Collision again revolved around Danielson, who announced he will be stepping away from full-time wrestling within the next year–and that he will wrestle Zack Sabre Jr. at the inaugural AEW WrestleDream pay-per-view on October 1. Danielson’s program with Ricky Starks, who was previously feuding with Punk, also continued.

There was concern that Punk’s absence from Collision would change the way the show is constructed. So far, that has clearly not been the case. Obviously Punk is no longer part of Collision, but its setup and structure have remained unique, and certainly different from Dynamite. That is because the head of creative has not changed, as AEW owner and booker Tony Khan has overseen the show from its inception, even while Punk was contributing. Elements that make Collision unique, like the nostalgic cold open promos, come directly from Khan. This past week’s episode featured three split screen promos during entrances in the first hour, a subtle but important difference from what viewers see on Dynamite.

And now Collision features Danielson. On and off camera, he has now replaced Punk. The schedule works in his favor, allowing more time at home during the week when he does not appear on Dynamite. Danielson and Khan also get along exceptionally well, and their creativity led to a very compelling show this past Saturday.

Once again, what is old is new. A familiar refrain is playing throughout AEW. Just like before, it is one that prominently features Bryan Danielson.