This past week has been a tumultuous one for AEW, as they have grappled with the fallout from a backstage altercation between CM Punk and Jack Perry at AEW: All In London. Haus of Wrestling reported earlier this week that Punk was very unhappy with the promotion and that he was unlikely for this weekend’s shows. It would seem that our sourcing was accurate, as not only will Punk not be appearing at Collision or All Out this weekend, but he will not be appearing at any AEW shows going forward.
All Elite Wrestling and Tony Khan have just shared a joint statement on social media announcing that CM Punk, real name Phillip Jack Brooks, has been terminated from the company, with cause, following the conclusion of their internal investigation into the All In incident.
STATEMENT FROM ALL ELITE WRESTLING AND TONY KHAN
All Elite Wrestling (AEW) has terminated the the wrestler and employment agreements between Phillip Brooks (CM Punk) and AEW with cause, effective immediately. The termination was confirmed today by Tony Khan, CEO, General Manager and Head of Creative of AEW.
The termination follows a weeklong internal investigation of an incident occuring back stage at AEW – All In London on Sunday, August 27. Following the investigation, the AEW Discipline Committee met and later convened with outside legal counsel before making a unanimous recommendation to Khan that CM Punk be terminated with cause.
Khan offered the following statement:
“Phil 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. 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 who effots are unsung but essential to bringing our fans great shows on television and at arenas and stadiums throughout the world.”