In the world of professional wrestling, surprises are par for the course, but this one truly caught fans off guard. All Elite Wrestling (AEW) announced the departure of wrestling legend CM Punk, whose real name is Phil Brooks, just over two years after his much-celebrated return to the squared circle. However, this wasn’t your typical release; it was a “with cause” termination following a backstage altercation at AEW’s All In event in London. This shocking development not only marks the end of Punk’s second wrestling stint but also raises questions about the circumstances that led to this unexpected departure.
The official statement from AEW revealed that the termination followed a thorough internal investigation into the incident that occurred backstage at the All In London event on August 27th. After the investigation, the AEW Discipline Committee, in consultation with external legal counsel, unanimously recommended CM Punk’s termination with cause to AEW CEO Tony Khan. The details of the altercation were not disclosed, leaving fans speculating about what transpired behind closed doors.
CM Punk’s journey to AEW was a story of hope and redemption. After a messy split with WWE in 2014, he declared he was done with wrestling. However, the allure of the squared circle proved too strong, and in August 2021, Punk made his return to wrestling by signing with AEW. His comeback was met with tremendous excitement, and it didn’t take long for him to reach the pinnacle of AEW’s roster.
In May, just months after his debut, Punk captured the AEW world title. However, his reign was marred by a broken foot that sidelined him until August. The drama didn’t stop there. After defeating interim champion Jon Moxley in the main event of All In to unify the titles, Punk made startling comments at the post-event press conference, claiming that AEW executive vice presidents The Young Bucks and Kenny Omega had spread rumors about him.
This controversy led to a real-life brawl involving Punk and his trainer and friend Ace Steel against The Young Bucks and Omega. The altercation was unprecedented, blurring the lines between fiction and reality. All parties involved in the brawl faced suspensions, and Punk, nursing a torn tricep from his match with Moxley, opted for surgery during his hiatus.
CM Punk’s return to the ring in June, with a prominent role on the new AEW Collision show, seemed to signify a promising future with the company. However, just months later, his AEW journey has come to an abrupt end.
AEW CEO Tony Khan expressed his gratitude for Punk’s contributions to the company but emphasized that the decision to terminate his contract with cause was made in the best interests of AEW. While fans might be disappointed by this turn of events, Khan acknowledged the many individuals behind the scenes who work tirelessly to bring AEW’s shows to life, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a positive and respectful environment within the company.
The details of the backstage altercation may remain shrouded in mystery, but one thing is clear: CM Punk’s departure marks the end of a captivating chapter in AEW’s history. His return to wrestling was a momentous occasion, reigniting the passion of fans and injecting new energy into the industry. While this journey may have concluded abruptly, the impact of Punk’s return and his time in AEW will undoubtedly be a topic of discussion among wrestling enthusiasts for years to come.
