Sports

AEW Terminates Contract with Top Star CM Punk Following Backstage Brawl

Published

September 2, 2023

NOTE: This article is 8 months old and may not include the most recent information.

In a shocking announcement that has left wrestling fans across the globe stunned, All Elite Wrestling (AEW) confirmed that they have terminated their contract with one of the industry’s biggest names, CM Punk, following an internal investigation. The decision comes in the wake of an altercation that reportedly took place at the “All In” pay-per-view event last Sunday in London’s Wembley Stadium, involving Punk and Jack Perry, another notable AEW wrestler and son of the late actor Luke Perry.

The incident was made public after AEW released a statement on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter. The statement, as quoted, reads: “Following the investigation, the AEW Discipline Committee met and later convened with outside legal counsel before making a unanimous recommendation to [AEW owner Tony] Khan that CM Punk be terminated with cause.”

AEW’s CEO, Tony Khan, expressed his regret over the situation, stating that he took this decision in the best interest of AEW and its crew. Khan said, “Phil played an important role in AEW and I thank him for his contributions.” He stressed that the decision was his and his alone.

This is not the first time Punk, whose real name is Phil Brooks, has found himself embroiled in controversy. A year ago, after a match, Punk was involved in a heated news conference, which later led to a reported physical altercation with AEW executive vice presidents and wrestlers, Matt Jackson, Nick Jackson, and Kenny Omega. Punk had expressed his apologies for his remarks during that press conference to Khan.

Tensions seemed to have been brewing since 2022 when AEW’s Adam “Hangman” Page allegedly deviated from the script during a segment with Punk, touching on topics the two had not pre-agreed upon. Punk, upset over the incident, felt there was no accountability on Page’s end.

Speculations also suggest that the relationships within the locker room have been tense, with many believing Punk played a role in trying to get another wrestler, Colt Cabana, fired from AEW. Punk has since denied these allegations, while Cabana remains a part of the AEW roster.

CM Punk’s influence in the wrestling realm is undeniable. With championship titles under both WWE and AEW banners, and even a brief stint in UFC after his departure from WWE in 2014, his impact and popularity are immense.

As AEW heads to their “All Out” pay-per-view event in Chicago’s United Center, the home city of CM Punk, the atmosphere is bound to be electric and filled with anticipation. While the future remains uncertain for Punk, the wrestling world will keenly watch as the saga unfolds.