AEW: CM Punk Reportedly Behind Ending AEW Rankings in 2022, Adam Copeland on Minoru Suzuki Match, Isaiah Kassidy

CM Punk Reportedly Pushed for AEW to End Their Rankings System in 2022

As noted before, AEW announced during this past Saturday’s AEW Collision show that their AEW Rankings system would be making its return soon. AEW previously used a rankings system for their championships divisions from early 2019 to late 2022.

Bryan Alvarez reported in a recent episode of the Wrestling Observer’s Bryan & Vinny Show that his sources stated that CM Punk was the main person responsible for AEW ending their rankings system in 2022.

Alvarez reported that Punk ended up successfully talking AEW CEO Tony Khan into getting rid of the rankings system for the company.

Bryan Alvarez on the B&V show today revealed that it was CM Punk's idea to get rid of AEW rankings in 2022.

"I was told it was CM Punk. He talked Tony into getting rid of the rankings." pic.twitter.com/n9Ga5DzRg9

— Drainmaker 🌧️ 💵 (@DrainBamager) January 22, 2024

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Adam Copeland Comments on Upcoming Match with Minozu Suzuki

This past Saturday’s AEW Collision show featured the official announcement of a singles match between Adam Copeland vs. Minoru Suzuki for the card of this Wednesday’s AEW Dynamite show.

AEW recently held a digital exclusive backstage interview with Copeland for his thoughts about his upcoming match against Suzuki.

“I started this Cope Open for a few reasons. One, to prove to Christian Cage what I’ve always told him, which is that I’m just better and I’m better because I work harder. I have more work ethic. I wanted to see who would step up, who would step up to the challenge, who wanted it? Who would come face to face with me in it so far? Griff Garrison. Lee Moriarty. Dante Martin. Now someone who has stepped up. I wouldn’t have expected. You asked any wrestling fan five years ago if they would have ever expected that they’d see this match. That’s gonna happen. Wednesday. Savannah. Dynamite. Minoru Suzuki versus the Rated R Superstar. Man. I get goosebumps just thinking about it. We are gonna beat the hell out of each other. Two grisly gnarled evil bastards beating each other up and I can’t wait. Suzuki, I know what you’re gonna bring. I hope you know what I’m gonna bring. I’m gonna sum this match up in three words for all of you, Grit. Your. Teeth.”

Transcript h/t: Fightful.com

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Isiah Kassidy Comments on Private Party’s Recent In-Ring Return

As noted before, Marq Quen made his return from a torn pectoral injury to AEW earlier this month.

Quen’s tag team partner Isiah Kassidy recently released a new video on his YouTube channel featuring Kassidy’s thoughts about Private Party making their in-ring return at this past Wednesday’s AEW Dynamite show for the first time since December of 2022.

“This video is happening after our first match back, and when I tell you I’m happy, I’m happy. It was one of those moments that I ain’t feel in a long time. Don’t get it twisted, being out there with The Hardys, being able to learn from them, just sitting underneath their learning tree, it was a blessing, and I’m very grateful for that. But when I got to do my thing with my brother, Marq Quen, it felt good. It felt like this [is] what it’s supposed to be. Especially when we hit the Gun and Juice, it just felt like old times again, and I’m here for it. Hopefully y’all are too. On top of that, we got the W. First match back, 13 months, we picked the W. So I’m super happy for that, and I’m super happy for what’s about to happen in the future. But I did say we’re gonna become tag team champions this year, and I mean that, and I truly believe that. Until then, there is work to be done. It’s gonna get done.”

Transcript h/t: Fightful.com