AEW Collision Notes: CM Punk vs. Ricky Starks Real World Title Match Announced, Ricky Steamboat to be Guest Ref

Saturday’s AEW Collision show in Hartford, Connecticut featured the official announcement of an AEW Real World Championship match between Ricky Starks and CM Punk for next week’s Collision show in Greenville, South Carolina.

This match was setup following an in-ring interview segment involving CM Punk. During his promo, Punk held the same red bag he had for his AEW return at Collision’s debut show. After talking about some stuff including a mention about AEW’s upcoming All In event at Wembley Stadium, Punk turned his attention to Starks and stated that Starks has beaten him twice. Punk then talked about what was in his bag which led to him revealing it contained the AEW World Championship that he never gave up and still carries his nameplate. Punk called himself the Real World Champion and spray painted a giant X meant to symbolize the logo he has had since 1997 and him being straight edge and the Best in the World. Starks then came out and stated that whatever Punk claims is his, that is actually owed to him since he’s beaten Punk twice and claimed that makes him the World Champion and the face of Collision.

CM PUNK JUST REVEALED WHAT'S IN THE BAG!!!

Watch #AEWCollision LIVE on TNT!@CMPunk pic.twitter.com/pAixKKlzRh

— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) July 30, 2023

Punk responded saying that he will give him a shot for his title but also requested for the stipulation of it being held with a special guest referee. After some insults by Starks in return over not caring who Punk selected as the person, Punk accepted and stated that this match would be taking place at next week’s Collision show. Before Starks could leave the ring, Punk told Tony Schiavone to reveal who the special guest referee would be which Schiavone stated it was wrestling legend and WWE Hall of Famer Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat.

Ricky Starks wants CM Punk's Title and he'll get his chance NEXT SATURDAY on #AEWCollision, with special guest referee Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat!

Watch #AEWCollision LIVE on TNT!@CMPunk | @starkmanjones pic.twitter.com/XLnTveyeO0

— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) July 30, 2023

Next Saturday, 8/5
Greenville, SC#AEWCollision
Live on TNT at 8pm ET/7pm CT

Special Outside Official:
Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat@CMPunk vs @starkmanjones

Next Saturday, CM Punk defends what he's dubbed The Real World Championship vs. 2023 Owen Hart Cup winner Ricky Starks! pic.twitter.com/3e7Y4WELrF

— Tony Khan (@TonyKhan) July 30, 2023