Punk & AJ Lee Channel Chicago Legends at Elimination Chamber

Homecoming Heroes: Punk and AJ Lee Aim to Add to Chicago’s Storied Legacy at Elimination Chamber

The air in the United Center crackles with anticipation, not just for Saturday night’s WWE Elimination Chamber, but for the return of two of its own. CM Punk and his wife, AJ Lee, graced the building with their presence, ready to compete in their hometown for the first time in 30 years at a WWE premium live event. For Punk, a lifelong Chicagoan, the United Center holds a special place in his heart, a venue where he witnessed iconic moments as a fan, and now, he aims to create his own.

Following in the Footsteps of Greatness

“It doesn’t matter what the building is. I think it’s a special event when CM Punk’s in front of a Chicago crowd, but it’s a little more special this time because it’s the United Center,” Punk stated. “We haven’t run United Center in 30 years like you said. Summerslam 1994 was uh I believe the first event and I was there as a fan.” Recalling the legendary battles he witnessed, including Bret and Owen Hart’s iconic cage match, Punk expressed his ambition: “I’m looking to follow in their footsteps, Jordan’s footsteps, Jeremy Ronic’s footsteps, the the dynasty the Chicago Blackhawks had there. I’ve seen a lot of great sports moments in that building. I’m just looking to add to it.”

AJ Lee, who was in grade school during that fateful 1994 SummerSlam, echoed the sentiment of Chicago’s significance. “Chicago is very special to me. I I uh won my first title there. I came back. I returned a few months ago there, so I hope I can keep that lucky streak going.” Her connection to the city is deep, having achieved significant milestones in her career there.

Rematch and Revenge on the Horizon

Punk is set to face Finn Bálor in a highly anticipated rematch after defeating him on Raw last month. “I think it’s going to be a belter,” Punk declared. “I make no qualms about who’s good and who’s bad, and I think Finn’s great. Finn’s a great talent. He followed uh in a lot of the same footsteps I did. Uh he trained a lot extensively in Japan. He made a career uh for himself before he got to WWE. So this is just like a next level thing when he signed here. Same with me. And because our backgrounds are so similar and I think we wrestle the same style and in front of that Chicago crowd, I think it’s going to be nothing short than shorter than excellent.”

Meanwhile, AJ Lee is gearing up for a confrontational encounter with Becky Lynch, who is seeking retribution after AJ made her tap out at both Survivor Series and War Games. “I mean, I hope so. I also made her tap at War Game at Survivor Series,” AJ confirmed. “She’s a tapper that Becky.” Reflecting on her past victories, she added, “but I but I had some help. I had the best in the world the first time. I had team Rio. I had team Charllexa. I’m a shipper. I had them with me at war games and so hopefully I can do it on my own.” The prospect of AJ Lee facing Lynch solo in Chicago adds another layer of intrigue to the women’s division.

A Taste of Chicago Culture

The couple’s connection to Chicago extends beyond the wrestling ring. “We’ve been there a few times in United Center for the Blackhawks and I go for the hot chocolate and the hot dogs and then I’m like, you tell me what’s happening. I’ll cheer,” AJ shared, highlighting their appreciation for the city’s culinary delights and sports culture. Punk, a vocal Bears fan, was even drawn into a friendly debate about Chicago’s biggest sports duos.

“I believe I’m her number one fan. It’s a little it’s a little sappy. It’s a little goofy. Uh but yeah, when she came back in Chicago, I’ll stay in Arena uh a couple months back, it was September, it was I had a front row seat and I was spoiled because I had the best seat in the house and I got to watch history.”

CM Punk on watching AJ Lee compete in Chicago

Chicago’s Elite Duos: A Punk Perspective

When asked to name his top five Chicago duos, Punk’s passion for his city’s sports history shone through. His list included:

• Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews: “My my my captain and the greatest Americanborn hockey player of all time… they reinvigorated an entire fan base and a franchise and brought us three Stanley Cups over 10 years.”
• Brent Seabrook and Duncan Keith: “Those are the two gnarly guys who defended and helped Cory Crawford you know make a lot of saves and they put their bodies on the line And they embody Chicago to me. Just that tough bluecollar grit to win championships.”
• Kris Bryant and Anthony Rizzo: “Two legendary Chicago Cubs who helped break the 108-year curse.” Punk recalled being in the building for the Cubs’ historic 2016 World Series win, admitting, “I was crying my eyes out watching this scene right here.”
• Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen: “You know, Jordan Pippen, uh, United Center was built for these guys and they are Chicago legends and powerhouses. Uh, you can’t say more about them, honestly. Like they are pop culture, Chicago history.”
• Mike Ditka and Buddy Ryan: “Right there, Never in NFL history has a defensive coordinator been hoisted on the shoulders of the players and carried off the field along with Mike Gitka. They might have hated each other, but that’s such a Chicago thing. We’re just going to come together as a team and we’re going to win the championship.”

Honorable mentions went to legendary broadcasting duos Harry Caray and Steve Stone, and Ed Olczyk and Pat Foley, further cementing Punk’s deep appreciation for Chicago’s rich sports narrative.

What’s Next for the Power Couple?

As CM Punk and AJ Lee prepare to compete at Elimination Chamber, the weight of expectation and the roar of their hometown crowd will undoubtedly fuel their performances. Punk’s quest to add another chapter to his legacy at the United Center and AJ’s determination to prove herself against Becky Lynch on her own terms promise a night of unforgettable action. Their return to Chicago is more than just a wrestling event; it’s a homecoming, a chance to connect with their roots, and an opportunity to etch their names alongside the city’s most beloved sports figures.

Source: CM Punk & AJ Lee want to 'FOLLOW IN THE FOOTSTEPS' of Chicago greats at Elimination Chamber | Get Up (YouTube)