AEW Fires CM Punk Over Backstage Fight With Jack Perry at All In London

Keisha Hatchett
·2 min read
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CM Punk has been fired from All Elite Wrestling, effective immediately, the company announced hours before Saturday’s airing of AEW: Collision on TNT.

Punk’s termination comes after a weeklong internal investigation into the backstage fight between him and fellow wrestler Jack Perry at All In London on Aug. 27.

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According to Sports Illustrated, Perry took a verbal shot at Punk regarding the use of real glass during his match against Hook. Following the bout, Perry exchanged words with Punk backstage, which then escalated into a physical altercation. Both wrestlers were subsequently suspended, and an internal investigation was launched.

“The AEW Discipline Committee met and later convened with outside legal counsel before making a unanimous recommendation to [AEW CEO Tony Khan] that CM Punk be terminated with cause,” AEW said in a statement.

Khan released his own statement regarding Punk’s firing, saying the veteran wrestler — whose real name is Phil Brooks — “played an important role within AEW and I thank him for his contributions.

“The termination of his AEW contracts with cause is ultimately my decision, and mine alone. Of course, I wish I didn’t have to share this news, which may come as a disappointment to many of our fans,” Khan’s statement continued. “Nevertheless, I am making the decision in the best interests of the many amazing people who make AEW possible every week — our talent, staff, venue operators and many others whose efforts are unsung but essential to bringing our fans great shows on television and at arenas and stadiums throughout the world.”

Punk made his AEW return at the inaugural Collision show on June 17 after 10 months away due his suspension for a different backstage altercation as well as an injured tricep. As you’ll recall, he made pointed comments about The Young Bucks and Kenny Omega during the All Out post-event media scrum on September 4, 2022.

That led to a fight between Punk (who tore his left triceps tendon during his match against Jon Moxley earlier that night), the Young Bucks, Kenny Omega and AEW producer Ace Steel. The involved wrestlers were suspended, and a third-party investigation was launched. Additionally, Punk was forced to vacate the AEW World Championship, and the Bucks and Omega relinquished their World Trios Championship titles.

How do you feel about Punk’s firing from AEW? Drop a comment below. 

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