WrestleMania XL is history, and wrestling fans are already getting another big topic to talk about: the release of the AEW All In Footage of CM Punk's backstage brawl with Jack Perry that led to his abrupt departure from the company. Now, that footage has been released.
The Young Bucks introduced the footage on AEW Dynamite. They also took several underhanded digs at Punk, including saying that they don't want to spread rumors. Nicholas and Matthew Jackson centered the entire promo around hyping their match against FTR at Dynasty on April 21, and how Punk is a friend of Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler.
Punk's April 1 appearance on the MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani got intense. He commented on his physical altercation with Jack Perry backstage right before his final AEW match against Samoa Joe inside a packed Wembley Stadium. Punk, now a top-paid WWE Superstar, buried AEW and its management.
A perceived tipping point was Perry's intent to use glass in a spot on AEW Collision, but Punk stopped him. At All In, Punk didn't have the same influence, and Jungle Boy Jack taunted the Chicago legend live on camera.
Shortly thereafter, Khan gave his side of the story to a live AEW audience. "I’ve been going to wrestling shows for over thirty year, I’ve been producing them on this network for nearly four years. Never in all that time have I ever felt, until Sunday, that my security, my safety, my life was in danger."
Punk placed onto AEW's President for not diffusing his volatile situation with Perry before it ignited. He watched backstage as Perry taunted him in front of the world during the Zero Hour kickoff show.
After urging his boss to handle the situation, Punk says that Khan replied, "What do you want me to do?” The Second City Savior warned he'd be pushed to take action the company wouldn't approve of.
“Man, that’s a loaded question because I don’t want this to be…I don’t like the drama, but the truth is the truth, he is not a boss, he’s a nice guy and I think ultimately that is a detriment to the company, but it’s not my company.”
AEW TNT Champion Adam Copeland started off the first Dynamite after Punk's interview by indirectly addressing the controversy. The 'Rated R Superstar' said, "There's been a lot of negative BS that's spewed this week, right? There has ... SCREW THAT! I wanna talk about positives!"
Wrestling fans naturally wondered if this was legit or a bait and switch situation. Tony Khan made it clear that they will air the 'real' footage. Speaking to Justin Barrasso of Sports Illustrated, the AEW President clarified:
"This decision is based on putting on the best show for AEW, as well as driving interest for Dynamite and our Dynasty pay-per-view on April 21."
Punk continues to prove that he is a lightening rod for controversy. He's long gone from All Elite Wrestling, but he will probably help Dynamite draw viewers on Wednesday night. Love him or hate him, people just can't stop talking about CM Punk.
