Regardless of whatever the locker room says about CM Punk, the Straight Edge wrestler has always been a fan favorite among fans. His actions, in and out of the ring, have always delighted the fans. This is the biggest reason why fans wanted to see Punk back in AEW, despite the backstage controversies.

Punk just gave everyone an example of why he is one of the most popular names in pro wrestling with his gesture. At AEW Collision, Punk made a gesture that not only stole the hearts of many fans but also completed a full-circle moment from 16 years ago.

The story behind CM Punk hugging a guy in the audience at AEW Collision

Fans were puzzled when, after his match, Punk went to the barricade and hugged an audience member. After that pic got viral, reports came in, saying that the audience member was none other than the son of late WWE star Chris Benoit. But some fans were still puzzled as to what occurred after the match.

For all those who don’t remember the last Chris Benoit match scheduled before his death was against CM Punk. At the Vengeance PPV in 2007, Benoit and Punk were supposed to battle it out for the ECW World Championship. Instead, Johnny Nitro showed up and beat Punk for the title. The next day, it shockingly emerged that Benoit had murdered his wife and son and then committed suicide.

But his children from his first marriage, a son and daughter, later talked about their father’s actions. His son, David Benoit, is the same man in the audience who Punk hugged after his match.

Even though Benoit’s death casts a grave shadow on the wrestling industry, his career is still beloved by many because of his skill.

Fans get teary-eyed as CM Punk hugs the son of his opponent who died 16 years ago

When fans got to know about Benoit’s son in the AEW audience, it was a major surprise. Punk’s hugging David Benoit made a lot of people think back to the tragic ECW World title match and remember the tragic death of one of wrestling’s greatest stars.

This fan commented that this picture is mind-blowing.

This fan called this picture, a full-circle moment.

This fan felt hurt remembering the past.

This fan called this picture the best moment in 2023.

To me this was the best moment if the year in all of wrestling, certainly in the AEW, and certainly in all of American Pro Wrestling in all of 2023, CM Punk hugging David Benoit. We all know who his father was, Chris Benoit. It was nice to see CM Punk showing us what class is.

— Chris Hanover (@CHanover) July 16, 2023

While Benoit’s death was tragic and heartbreaking, Punk’s actions made his son shine in the spotlight for a moment.

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Tell us what you thought about the CM Punk moment from AEW Collision in the comments below.