Despite the brawl backstage of AEW All Out occurring back on September 4th, the ramifications of what happened that night are still being felt. With CM Punk and AEW still at odds, a recent appearance from Colt Cabana has apparently only added to the tension.
Cabana took on Chris Jericho on the November 2nd edition of AEW Dynamite with the Ring of Honor World Title on the line. It was Cabana’s first appearance on Dynamite in a number of months, something it was speculated had come about at the behest of CM Punk. With this in mind, the appearance from Cabana only added to reports that Punk was now done with AEW.
CM Punk Still Under Contract With AEW
Punk’s grievances with the Colt Cabana situation formed the basis of his infamous rant at the post-All Out media scrum. The former World Champion claimed that he had nothing to do with Cabana not appearing with AEW, while also taking aim at The Elite and Hangman Adam Page.
In recent weeks as The Elite prepare to return to action at AEW Full Gear, it has been reported that Punk is in talks with AEW over a buyout of his contract. This could also pave the way for a potential shock return to WWE, although some within the company don’t want him back. Writing the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer offered an update on the situation, and Punk’s recovery from a torn triceps, which he suffered at All Out.
Meltzer said that the appearance from Colt Cabana on Dynamite only made matters worse between CM Punk and the company, although he remains under contract.
“C.M. Punk’s rehab of his torn triceps is said to be going really well. Colt Cabana wrestling Chris Jericho only made things worse as far as issues with the two sides. Punk remains adamant he had nothing to do with Cabana being gone.
A lot of talent in AEW believes and insists differently and it’s openly talk about. Cabana being back only fuelled that especially because it was Tony Khan’s decision and not a suggestion somebody else came up with.
There also has been no change as far as we know in the Punk contract situation in that he’s still under contract here and they were still selling his merchandise this past week at the arena.”
Speaking on a media call ahead of AEW Full Gear, AEW President Tony Khan claimed that he didn’t know what CM Punk was going to say during his infamous rant.