Ex-WWE and UFC star CM Punk sensationally fired by AEW after backstage bust-up with Jack Perry at All In
AEW has cut ties with star wrestler CM Punk.
The announcement made on Saturday follows Punk’s backstage bust-up with Jack Perry, 26, at All In at London’s Wembley Stadium on August 27.
In a statement released on X, formerly known as Twitter, AEW CEO Tony Khan said: “Phil (Punk) played an important role within AEW and I thank him for his contributions.
“The termination of his AEW contracts with cause is ultimately my decision, and mine alone.
“Of course, I wish I didn’t have to share this news, which may come as a disappointment to many of our fans.
“Nevertheless, I am making the decision in the best interests of the many amazing people who make AEW possible every week – our talent, staff, venue operators and many others whose efforts are unsung but essential to bringing our fans great shows on television and at arenas and stadiums throughout the world.”
The decision to cut ties with CM Punk, 44, reportedly followed an investigation by the AEW’s Discipline Committee.
They reportedly met with legal counsel “before making a unanimous recommendation to Khan that CM Punk be terminated with cause.”
The exact details surrounding the incident in question are unknown.
However, according to a recent report from the Wrestling Observer via Wrestling Inc., it began when Perry appeared to take a dig at Punk during the pre-show.
Things quickly got heated between the stars backstage, with Punk getting “nose-to-nose with [Perry] aggressively,” all in front of Khan.
Perry is said to have defended his pre-show comment, after which Punk shoved and punched his counterpart before choking him.
Once they had been separated, Punk is said to have “lunged” at Khan.
Punk allegedly claimed he was quitting, but went on to fight Samoa Joe as planned.
A wrestler since the late 1990s, Punk previously starred for the NWA, ECW, and WWE – where he won the championship twice.
Punk has previously dabbled in the world of martial arts as well, with a 0-1-0 record in the UFC.
He has also ventured into the acting world, appearing in Girl On The Third Floor, Mayans M.C., and Rabid among others.
