CM Punk has been absent from All Elite Wrestling since September 4th, 2022.
To say that night was mixed would be a spectacular understatement. In the ring, Punk defeated Jon Moxley to claim the AEW World Championship for a second time. At the end of the show he was confronted by a returning MJF seemingly setting up another programme between the pair. However, from here things quickly went off the rails.
During his main event bout with Moxley, Punk injured his triceps and required surgery. This marked the second time that his World Title run had been scuppered through injury.
In the wake of the event Punk appeared at the traditional post-show media scrum. Although instead of basking in the glory of his victory, Punk embarked on a spectacular tirade which saw him take aim at Colt Cabana, the Young Bucks, Kenny Omega and Hangman Adam Page. This rant was witnessed from just feet away by AEW boss Tony Khan.
Once backstage Punk got into a physical altercation with the Young Bucks and Omega while he was backed up by Ace Steel. In the aftermath of the incident all involved were suspended and Ace Steel quietly left the company. Everyone else has returned to work other than Punk who remains on the side-lines. It should be noted that he would be unable to wrestle even if in favour due to his recovery from surgery.
There have been suggestions that Punk could return to the fold, while other reports have stated that he is looking for a way out of his contract.
CM Punk Saga Set To Continue
Either way, it appears that the situation won’t be resolved any time soon. Writing in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer notes that while there are no plans to use the star, talk of a departure has also died down.
“We’re still months away from when Tony Khan will have to make a call regarding Punk. It’s not the easiest call because of all that happened, but Punk was a ratings draw and ratings are weaker than before generally even if there’s positive house show movement. Right now from the Punk side, the belief is that Tony Khan has put Punk on ice for now, as there are no ideas to use him that have been presented but no talk at all of late to release him either.”
CM Punk recently took a very public shot at AEW and MJF over the TV ratings for Dynamite.