A shadow continues to loom over AEW stemming from the backstage altercation at All In: London in August 2023 involving CM Punk and Jack Perry, resulting in Perry’s suspension and Punk’s subsequent termination.
Despite Punk’s transition to WWE, controversy erupted on the April 10 edition of “AEW Dynamite” when footage of his clash with Perry was unexpectedly aired on live television.
WWE Hall of Famer Booker T candidly shared his perspective on this decision during his podcast “The Hall of Fame,” delivering pointed criticism towards AEW.
“To put the footage out like that is kind of desperate,” remarked the five-time WCW Champion.
“It’s a desperate move to actually show that footage.”
Expressing concern, the decorated wrestling icon remarked that this strategy yields no positive outcomes for AEW and could potentially alienate fans.
“No matter what, it’s not gonna endear those Punk fans to still watch AEW — to stick around and wanna be a part of that thing.
It’s gonna run those Punk fans off more than it’s gonna keep them around. Just talking about CM Punk from that side over there is a bad look for those guys, cause I would imagine there’s still a lot of CM Punk fans that still watch that show and go support it.”
Booker’s sentiments align with those of other prominent figures in the wrestling industry, including Eric Bischoff and D-Von Dudley, who have recently expressed their disapproval of AEW’s controversial approach to garner viewership.
