CM Punk has provided insight into the sequence of events leading to his departure from AEW in September 2023.
According to AEW CEO Tony Khan, Punk was terminated with cause following an alleged backstage altercation involving Jack Perry. Punk addressed his side of the story during an interview with Ariel Helwani on “MMA Hour.”
Discussing rumors of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), Punk distinguished between being prohibited from discussing certain matters and simply choosing not to.
He recounted issues with Perry preceding an incident in London, where he was asked by Tony Schiavone to intervene in a disagreement involving Perry, management, and the use of real glass for a segment at “AEW Collision” tapings.
Despite initially being amenable, Perry reportedly became confrontational, insisting on smashing a rental car window with a pipe.
Punk intervened, emphasizing the professional and safety implications of such actions. He requested Khan’s intervention to resolve escalating tensions but felt dissatisfied with the handling of the situation.
The unresolved issues came to a head during Punk’s match with Samoa Joe at All In when Perry called him out. After confronting Perry and being goaded, Punk admitted to momentarily choking him, prompting his decision to quit AEW.
Despite positive sentiments toward Khan personally, Punk criticized AEW’s handling of the situation from an employee’s perspective.
He was subsequently dismissed with cause by AEW’s disciplinary committee, a decision announced by Khan on-air, citing fears for his safety. However, Punk denied any actions warranting such concerns.
