In the most recent episode of WWE RAW on June 2, 2025, AJ Styles faced El Grande Americano and CM Punk in a Money in the Bank qualifying match. The Triple Threat match excited fans since it was the first time AJ Styles and Punk were facing each other since 2004, when they had a bout at IWC A Call To Arms 2.
The match was incredibly entertaining to watch, but the finish disappointed fans. Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed attacked the Second City Saint as payback for his attack on them earlier on the show. Styles tried to get the advantage with his Phenomenal Forearm, but Americano hit him with a mid-air headbutt, leading to El Grande’s victory.
Since Punk was attacked, fans expected Styles to be the one picking up the win, which did not happen. Styles has been a staple on RAW with multiple matches and backstage segments. Unfortunately, The Phenomenal One has been the victim of some odd booking choices with losses to Logan Paul and The Judgment Day. Since he has been taken out of the Money in the Bank PLE after losing the qualifying match, fans believe this could be his last appearance on RAW for a while.
During a match with Carmelo Hayes in October on WWE SmackDown, Styles suffered a Lisfranc injury that shelved him until the Royal Rumble this year. Since then, he has feuded with The Judgment Day, Logan Paul, and Karrion Kross. He even lost a match on Night 2 of WrestleMania 41 against Paul.
The 48-year-old veteran has made it clear that his body isn’t what it used to be, and the time it takes to recover is much longer now. The three-time WWE United States Champion could return at or after Night of Champions on June 28, 2025, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Right now, AJ Styles’ disappearance is just speculation, and it will be interesting to see what happens to the star.
CM Punk praises AJ Styles after their match on WWE RAW
Despite neither man winning and qualifying for the upcoming Money in the Bank PLE this weekend, Punk had nothing but praise for AJ Styles. The Second City Saint shared his thoughts on their match via social media.
“I’ve got a lot on my plate right now but I’ll always make room for you. Thank you for the boot print on my nose. Let’s not wait 21 years for the next time. You’re a legend,” wrote Punk.
The 21-year wait was a call back to their match at IWC in 2004. Both men are veterans of the business, and fans have wanted them to feud. Only time will tell if Punk will have a storyline with The Phenomenal One this summer.
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