CM Punk was honored at Cauliflower Alley Club on August 30, receiving the Iron Mike Mazurki Award, recognizing remarkable accomplishment in and out of the ring.
Punk was scheduled for the event as far back as May when it was announced that he would be receiving the award.
In a 45-minute speech, Punk commented on people not liking him and earning the approval of legends.
“When people tell me that they don’t like me or that the internet is mad at me, I just chuckle because Roddy Piper liked me. Dusty Rhodes liked me and Harley Race liked me. And that means more than anything else in the world because these legends put their stamp on me before anyone else did. It gave me the confidence and it gave me the ability to succeed," he said (courtesy of SLAM Wrestling)
Punk credited JBL, Eddie Guerrero, Raven, Tracy Smothers, Mickie James, AJ Lee, Ace Steel, and more for helping him throughout his career. Punk said that it means the world to him when fans come up to him and say that they were inspired by him.
In the speech, Punk reflected on his career, from starting in the backyard to making it to WWE, and telling stories from his time in the business, many of which involved Harley Race.
Fans can watch the full speech by clicking here.
Steel, who introduced him at the event, said about Punk, “He has never changed. No matter what anybody says about him, he hasn’t because he doesn’t put up with shit.”
Punk is reportedly suspended from AEW following an altercation with Jack Perry at AEW All In.
AEW is in Chicago all week for AEW Dynamite, AEW Collision, and AEW All Out. Fans can check out the current lineup for AEW All Out by clicking here.
