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AEW Terminates Contract with Two-Time World Champion CM Punk: Inside the Backstage Drama

All Elite Wrestling (AEW) has officially terminated its contract with two-time World Champion CM Punk, a move that has sent shockwaves throughout the wrestling industry. Phil Brooks, known to wrestling fans as CM Punk, was let go following what was described as his second backstage altercation within a year, the most recent of which occurred with fellow AEW wrestler Jack Perry.

The Final Incident: AEW All In London

According to reports, the incident that led to Punk’s termination happened backstage at the All In pay-per-view event at London’s Wembley Stadium. AEW conducted a weeklong internal investigation before arriving at the decision to terminate his contract. The investigation involved the AEW Discipline Committee, which also consulted with outside legal counsel before recommending to AEW President Tony Khan that Punk be terminated “with cause.

Tony Khan’s Statement

In an address to fans prior to the AEW Collision show, Tony Khan, the President of AEW, explained that the unanimous decision to terminate Punk was not made lightly. Khan cited concerns for safety, stating that it was the first time he had felt unsafe at a wrestling event. He noted, “People don’t work here to be put in danger.”

Industry Reaction

The firing has resulted in a mixed bag of reactions within the industry. AEW commentator Nigel McGuinness expressed his frustration over the incident, especially because it overshadowed what was intended to be one of AEW’s biggest shows. McGuinness said the online leak of the altercation was unfortunate and indicated a change from past practices, where such leaks could have led to terminations.

CM Punk’s Career Overview

CM Punk joined AEW in 2021 after a seven-year hiatus from professional wrestling. His return was met with much acclaim and he even managed to capture the AEW World Championship twice during his tenure. Prior to AEW, Punk had a distinguished career in WWE, where he won the World Heavyweight Championship three times.

The Future Implications

CM Punk’s firing is notable not just for its impact on AEW’s roster but also for what it signifies about the company’s approach to internal conflicts. AEW has made it clear that they will not tolerate behavior that puts other employees at risk, even if it means parting ways with one of their top talents.


The termination of CM Punk’s contract with AEW is a significant development that has raised many questions about the future of the wrestling star and the promotion itself. It also serves as a cautionary tale about the impact of backstage behavior on a wrestler’s career.

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Mark Perry
Mark, a stalwart in the pro wrestling journalism industry, is the editor, writer, and owner of Pro Wrestling News Hub brand. With an experience spanning over two decades, he has left an indelible mark on the wrestling media landscape. Mark started his journey by covering WWE, meticulously chronicling the ever-changing narratives, players, and game-changing moments in the industry. His knack for in-depth analysis, coupled with a passionate flair for storytelling, made his work stand out, transforming him into a go-to source for dedicated WWE fans. He created one of the first pro wrestling podcasts. Always one to stay ahead of the curve, Mark was there when All Elite Wrestling (AEW) and Impact Wrestling were mere fledglings in the pro wrestling scene. He recognised their potential early on and has been instrumental in bringing their stories, matches, and wrestlers into the limelight. His coverage has been pivotal in fostering the growth and popularity of both promotions. But Mark's journey in the wrestling journalism realm extends beyond writing. He has proved his business acumen and foresight by successfully owning and operating multiple wrestling websites. His entrepreneurial ventures include ImpactWrestling.com and AllWrestling.com, both of which he skillfully developed into thriving platforms before selling them. Mark's blend of journalistic prowess and business savvy is a testament to his multifaceted approach towards pro wrestling coverage. His commitment to delivering quality content, his ability to spot trends and opportunities, and his unwavering passion for the industry set him apart in the wrestling media landscape. Through Pro Wrestling News Hub, Mark continues to be a reliable and influential voice in the wrestling community, delivering insightful content to readers and setting the bar high for wrestling journalism. The passion and commitment he brings to his work continue to inspire wrestling fans and aspiring journalists alike.
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