AEW’s Darby Allin on CM Punk return: ‘Maybe my Uber driver will show up’

The former TNT Champ has an interesting suggestion for who the real ‘best in the world’ is (Picture: AEW)

Darby Allin has responded to reports of CM Punk appearing at AEW Rampage tonight and suggested anyone could be making an appearance tonight.

The former TNT Champion fuelled speculation the former WWE star could make a highly anticipated return to wrestling tonight when he called out ‘the best in the world’ for the show in his hometown of Chicago.

However, he didn’t entertain the idea of Punk being at the show, instead focusing on the element of surprise and the chance for anyone to pop up and make a name for themselves.

Speaking exclusively to Metro.co.uk before the show, Darby was asked who he considers to be the true ‘best in the world’ today and replied: ‘Funny you ask because I would say, out of everybody, it applies to my Uber driver.

‘I would say it’s my Uber driver. He’s the best in the world. He’s getting me from point A to point B… I don’t think he knows what Rampage is. He thinks it’s angry driving.’

Fans around the world are expecting CM Punk to make an appearance tonight after plenty of subtle – and some not so subtle – hints from both him and AEW, while Daniel Bryan has also been linked to the promotion.

‘I feel like anything’s possible,’ Darby smirked as he commented on the unpredictable wrestling landscape. ‘Hell, my Uber driver might even show up.

‘Wanna drive to Rampage? As long as I’m paying you? Anything’s possible, the Uber driver might show up on Friday. Anybody! It’s very exciting. I love the unknown. I love being surprised. Who knows what’s going on?’

AEW has done well with utilising former stars to help its own younger talent, with Darby’s partnership with Sting being a perfect example of that.

Darby and Sting work together both in front of and behind the camera (Picture: AEW)

For the 28-year-old performer, the locker room is an exciting one with plenty of opportunities to ask questions, improve as a performer and take advantage of the great minds working for the company.

‘It’s really awesome to be a part of it, and pick everybody’s brain and build a unit. Whoever doesn’t take all the veterans advice in the back, the young guys, they’re really dropping the ball on that one,’ he said.

‘You can learn a lot from all people – the Dean Malenkos, the Arn Andersons, there’s a whole cast of people back there who are willing to help. If people won’t take advantage of that? [middle finger]’

Will Punk be the next legend to appear? (Picture: WWE)

There’s certainly a balance to be found though, with Allin knows to trust his gut feeling about his in-ring work while still taking on board the advice of Jake Roberts and other pioneers.

‘I’ve been trusting my own instincts since I got there. But that doesn’t mean that Jake “The Snake” can’t give a good pointer or all these guys can’t help you tweak your game,’ he noted. ‘If you go in there thinking your s**t don’t stink or you can’t learn anything new then you’re sadly mistaken and you’re in the wrong game!’

Darby is part of a new generation and has his own unique, hellraising and thrillseeking style where he’s willing to risk everything for the win.

‘What’s scary to somebody else is a walk in the park for me. My tolerance for fear is very, very, very high – so [the old generation] don’t have to worry,’ he smiled.

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And one of his main goals in wrestling is to encourage others to chase their dreams so they can experience the same highs he does every time he steps between the ropes.

‘I could fall on my skateboard, and there was probably one dude in public looking at me thinking I’m a dumbass. I fall in a wrestling ring and there’s thousands of people going crazy. It’s just the atmosphere – it’s like physical Broadway, there’s nothing like it,’ he said.

‘I just want people to know that they can be doing it themselves if they just get through their own mind. I’m very grateful for everything but I want more people to experience it, take it seriously and treat it with respect.’

*AEW Rampage airs Friday nights at 3am on Fite TV.

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