Tony Khan has responded to questions following CM Punk’s firing about whether Punk had a non-compete clause in his contract.
AEW announced on September 2nd that they had terminated the contract of CM Punk. The decision came after a physical altercation between Punk and Jack Perry at AEW All In.
Following an investigation into the incident, it was revealed that Punk had endangered innocent individuals backstage at AEW, causing Tony Khan, the president of AEW, to feel threatened. After seeking advice from external legal counsel and a disciplinary committee, Khan made the difficult choice to release Punk from the company.
During a media scrum at AEW All Out, Khan was questioned about whether there was a non-compete clause attached to Punk’s release. Khan chose not to disclose the specifics of the separation, stating:
I don’t want to discuss the terms of the separation in that sense. I very much want to thank CM Punk, Phil, for everything he did in AEW as a wrestler. I don’t think it was an easy decision for anybody on the discipline committee or the outside counsel or for me to do something like that. I do think it was the right move. As far as what’s going to happen in the future, I can’t speak to that. I’m not the attorneys who interpret all that language.
The termination of Punk’s contract has sent shockwaves through the wrestling community, as he was considered a significant asset to AEW. Punk’s arrival in the company generated immense excitement among fans and industry insiders alike. However, this incident has tarnished his reputation and raised questions about his future in professional wrestling.
What Does Tony Khan Think Is Next For CM Punk?
While Tony Khan did not provide any insight into what lies ahead for CM Punk, speculation is already running rampant. Some believe that Punk may take time away from the industry to reflect and regroup, while others speculate that he may explore opportunities elsewhere, such as returning to the WWE.
In recent news, Dave Meltzer has shed some light on CM Punk’s non-compete status.
In a new interview in 2024, a non-AEW source has given their account of what took place between CM Punk and Jack Perry.
H/t to Fightful.com