CM Punk’s arrival in AEW was met with significant fanfare but a lot of backstage issues ultimately plagued his time there and led to his exit. In fact, Punk allegedly didn’t want Excalibur to work on AEW Collision.
Back in 2021, CM Punk made waves by joining AEW, swiftly emerging as a central figure in the promotion. His pinnacle moment arrived at Double or Nothing 2022 when he clinched the AEW World Championship. However, his reign encountered hurdles, including injuries like a torn triceps sustained during the controversial Brawl Out incident at AEW All Out 2022.
AEW Collision was created for CM Punk and he had a say in what would take place on the show. While speaking on a virtual signing for K & S WrestleFest, Kevin Kelly talked about his time in AEW.
Kevin Kelly mentioned that his involvement with Collision might have been influenced by CM Punk’s presence, as Punk preferred not to have Excalibur call the show due to Excalibur’s connection with The Young Bucks. Kelly speculated that once Punk was no longer with AEW, there might have been a sentiment that he, too, could be let go.
”Here’s the other thing: Was there a one-on-one relationship — was I brought in exclusively because of CM Punk? Who wasn’t gonna have Excalibur call the show, and then when Punk is gone, well now we can get rid of Kevin. We don’t know.”
CM Punk also snubbed AEW in a big way, as it is clear he wants nothing to do with AEW anymore. Regardless, both parties have now moved on from the whole situation and that’s all that matters.
Are you shocked by this allegation about CM Punk during his time in AEW? Sound off in the comments section below!