Highlights
CM Punk has been fired by All Elite Wrestling ahead of important upcoming events, following a history of controversies and backstage tension.
Punk's comeback to AEW was tainted by a physical altercation with Jack Perry during the All In event in London. Tony Khan, the owner of AEW, opted to terminate Punk's contract due to the outcome of an investigation, ensuring the well-being of the company's remaining staff.
The future of Punk in wrestling is unsure as he has been terminated by All Elite Wrestling. This comes right before the Collision episode in Chicago and the highly anticipated All Out pay-per-view happening on September 3rd. CM Punk became a part of AEW in 2021 and made a significant impact on the company's viewership. He managed to capture the AEW World Championship on two occasions, but his time in the wrestling industry was not without its share of controversies.
Reports of tension backstage surfaced during the media scrum following CM Punk's second victory in the AEW World Championship at last year's All Out event. Punk openly criticized "Hangman" Adam Page and AEW Executive Vice Presidents Kenny Omega and The Young Bucks, leading to an actual altercation between Punk and AEW's EVPs. Consequently, both Punk and the individuals involved were suspended by AEW, but Punk eventually returned to the company.
Punk's comeback to AEW has been fraught with controversy, culminating in a recent incident at the historic AEW All In event in London. Despite breaking the record for highest paid attendance at a wrestling event, the occasion was overshadowed by reports of another real-life confrontation. This time, it was between Punk and fellow AEW roster member Jack Perry, with conflicting reports about the nature of their altercation. Nonetheless, it was deemed a legitimate physical confrontation, resulting in the suspension of both parties. AEW owner Tony Khan has since made the decision to terminate CM Punk's contract with the company.
The AEW All In incident was investigated for a week, and the AEW Discipline Committee and outside legal counsel unanimously decided that Khan should terminate Punk's contract. Khan issued a statement acknowledging Punk's contributions and taking full responsibility for the decision. Khan stated that he made the decision in the best interests of his other AEW employees. The reaction of AEW's fans to this surprising development, particularly with AEW Collision and AEW All Out taking place in Punk's hometown of Chicago, is yet to be seen.
It is uncertain whether Punk will remain in the wrestling business or return to retirement. Punk left WWE in 2014 and has been involved in other endeavors like UFC and acting. If Punk decides to wrestle again, it will be intriguing to see if he returns to WWE. Despite their troubled past, WWE signing Punk could have a significant impact on AEW and generate considerable buzz. Punk has not responded to the situation as of now.
