WWE superstar CM Punk, who has a significant history with AEW, recently thanked the promotion for their decision. Punk returned to professional wrestling in 2021 by joining AEW. Although fans were thrilled to see the former AEW World Champion back in the squared circle, the same enthusiasm wasn’t shared within AEW.
In his first year, Punk encountered backstage issues with Hangman Page, creating tension. At All Out, CM Punk and Hangman Page’s friends, The Elite, engaged in a massive backstage altercation in Page’s absence.
While Punk returned to the promotion after a nine-month injury hiatus, he once again faced turmoil, this time with rising star Jack Perry. A backstage altercation between CM Punk and Jack Perry at All In led to Punk’s termination from the promotion and Perry’s suspension. However, Punk made his return to WWE at Survivor Series WarGames.
Back in April, following CM Punk’s interview on MMA Hour, AEW decided to air footage of the backstage altercation between Punk and Perry on Dynamite. The promotion aimed to use this to build anticipation for the tag team title match between FTR and The Young Bucks for AEW Dynasty.
While the airing of the backstage altercation boosted AEW’s ratings, it arguably benefited CM Punk more significantly. Punk, who had generated substantial buzz both in WWE and AEW following his release seven months prior, seemed to appreciate the promotion’s decision to air the footage.
As CM Punk prepares for his match against Drew McIntyre at WWE SummerSlam this Saturday, he recently appeared on Jimmy Traina’s SI Media podcast. During the appearance, Punk discussed AEW’s choice to air certain footage. He sarcastically thanked AEW for putting him in a unique position as a top draw in both promotions.
He stated, “It felt really ugly, but then I was just like… showing that footage isn’t gonna help them or hurt me, so I was just like, ‘whatever’. Being the top draw in two different companies is pretty wild. Thanks guys.”
AEW has faced challenges in maintaining audience interest with declining attendance and TV ratings. Meanwhile, former star CM Punk has experienced a resurgence in WWE, generating significant buzz and excitement.
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