CM Punk Frankly Addresses His Controversies in AEW

In a revealing interview on The MMA Hour, Punk openly discussed his tumultuous time with All Elite Wrestling (AEW) and his interactions with company president Tony Khan and other AEW talent. Punk criticized Khan's management style and decision-making, specifically Khan's proposal to split the AEW roster into separate shows, a move Punk vehemently opposed. He expressed his dissatisfaction, stating, "this isn't a real business," and revealed his desire to leave the company at that point, a request that Khan denied.

Punk also touched on personal conflicts, recounting an incident involving Jack Perry (Jungle Boy) and commentator Tony Schiavone. According to Punk, Perry's behavior led Schiavone to seek Punk's assistance, though efforts to resolve the situation peacefully were unsuccessful.

Punk detailed another encounter with Perry regarding a stunt involving real glass, which the AEW medical team advised against. Despite Punk's intervention, the issue remained unresolved, highlighting a lack of authority and control within AEW.

Addressing his departure from AEW, Punk described a confrontation with Perry that escalated to a physical altercation, culminating in Punk's decision to leave the company. Despite participating in a match out of respect for his colleagues and fans, Punk knew it would be his last for AEW. He also responded to Khan's alleged fear for his safety, suggesting a disconnect between Khan's perceptions and his own actions.

Punk criticized the professional conduct within AEW, particularly the handling of promotional material with Hangman Adam Page and the reporting surrounding the Brawl Out incident. He lamented the spread of misinformation by individuals close to the wrestling community and confirmed the existence of a nondisclosure agreement related to the Brawl Out event.

Reflecting on his AEW tenure, Punk conveyed a sense of isolation and frustration, noting his self-reliance in dealing with an injury and the lack of communication from AEW leadership. Despite these challenges, Punk returned to AEW television, attributing his decision to contractual obligations and Khan's refusal to release him from his contract.

Reflecting on his tenure with All Elite Wrestling, CM Punk shared a more positive perspective amidst the discussions of his challenges within the company. He fondly recalled the relationships he formed and the unique experiences he had while part of AEW. "I made a lot of great friends there," Punk stated, emphasizing the personal connections he developed during his time with the promotion.

Among the highlights of his AEW career, Punk expressed particular excitement about his collaborations with wrestling legend Sting. "I did cool stuff. I got to work with Sting...I worked with Sting in the Greensboro Coliseum. That's fucking wild," he remarked, clearly cherishing the opportunity to share the ring with an icon in such a historic venue. This experience stood out as a testament to the remarkable opportunities AEW provided him.

Punk also spoke highly of his storyline with MJF, indicating it as a memorable aspect of his stint with AEW. He praised the roster's talent, describing it as "unbelievable" and highlighting the skill and potential of his colleagues. However, Punk pointed out that the way talent was showcased and the overall atmosphere within AEW were areas that needed improvement. "I think the positives outweigh the negatives," he concluded, acknowledging the significant impact and positive experiences he had, despite the issues he faced related to the company's management and creative direction.

CM Punk went Scorched Earth on AEW and Jack Perry holy shit.

Here’s 7 minutes of it. pic.twitter.com/8o95nUE35c

— ISO Wrestling (@italkwrasslin) April 1, 2024