Jack Perry’s AEW Return ‘Imminent’ After 8 Months

Jack Perry is gearing up for a return to AEW following the company’s controversial decision to air footage from his backstage altercation with CM Punk from last year's All In London PPV from Wembley Stadium.

During the NJPW Windy City Riot pay-per-view event at the Wintrust Arena on April 12, 2024, Shota Umino defeated Perry in a match that lasted just over 15 minutes. This marks the Scapegoat's final NJPW match for the foreseeable future.

Jack Perry’s next appearance will be for AEW and it’s expected “imminently,” according to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.

All Elite Wrestling returns to pay-per-view this Sunday for AEW Dynasty.

Jack Perry and CM Punk were both suspended following their All In Brawl last year. Punk was later fired, and he has returned to WWE since then. Perry, whose suspension lapsed some time ago, never returned to AEW television.

Tony Khan was reportedly still irritated with Perry, as he saw him as the reason AEW lost CM Punk. With Perry's return to AEW on the horizon, it will be interesting to see how Khan works this into the story.

Some notable moments for AEW took place during the 4/12 NJPW Windy City Riot show in Chicago, including Jon Moxely winning the IWGP World Heavyweight Title. That event also marked Jack Perry's last NJPW match for a while.

The match between Jack Perry and Shota Umino received the strongest crowd reaction. Fans brought signs to the event, both supportive and critical of Perry, and there were many chants directed at him during the contest. Perry embraced the heel role, as the crowd was filled with chants of "scapegoat" and singing "Oh, cry me a river" toward Perry.

He also entered the ring surrounded by security in riot gear, displayed a flag with the Chicago symbol to further provoke the crowd. And he wore a jacket saying "Cry me a River," for good measure.