Tony Khan’s AEW is currently undergoing a tough phase, and a WWE Hall of Famer provided two vital reasons for that.
Tony Khan and AEW are on their way to the United Kingdom for their Dynamite episode in Cardiff, and the All In PPV in London. The Jacksonville promotion also recently announced next year’s All In event in Texas. However, while the promotion awaits to announce a breathtaking media rights deal from WBD, its ratings are also “heading south”.
Speaking on Busted Open Radio, WWE Hall of Famer Bully Ray explained two vital reasons behind the Jacksonville-based promotion’s current decline.
There is not one metric in AEW that is heading north. They’re heading south. One of the biggest hits that AEW took was … [CM] Punk leaving. I believe the two biggest factors in AEW right now [are] the departure of Cody Rhodes and the departure of CM Punk, tied in with a lot of the other issues the company is having.”
Cody Rhodes left the promotion in 2022 and joined WWE. The American Nightmare recently defeated Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 40 to secure his first WWE Championship.
The wrestling veteran further noted how CM Punk contributed to the promotion’s TV viewership increase. Ray believes Punk’s departure from AEW could have slowed down the promotion’s growth. While Rhodes left Khan’s promotion on a positive note, Punk was called out for his allegedly ‘cancerous’ reputation.
In recent news, WWE is reportedly interested in signing Ricky Starks to NXT.
Bully Ray Shares Verdict On CM Punk’s ‘Cancerous’ Reputation From AEW
Speaking on the Busted Open Radio, Bully Ray shared his verdict on CM Punk’s alleged ‘cancerous’ reputation. Upon The Second City Saint’s departure from AEW, backstage reports labeled him a ‘cancerous’ reputation. However, Ray did not believe so.
Do I think CM Punk is a cancer in the pro wrestling locker room? Absolutely not. CM Punk is a guy who is passionate about the professional wrestling business. He is passionate about what he does. He is direct; he is intense. He knows what he brings to the table, and he expects you to bring something to the table too.”
Punk himself addressed the allegations during the Fanatics Fest in New York City and described the reasons behind his behavior. The former World Champion is currently in a budding feud with Drew McIntyre, and fans wonder where it might head next.
In other news: A recent update on Saraya’s AEW contract has been shared.