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.
