CM Punk’s arrival in AEW was met with tremendous enthusiasm, signaling a promising new phase in his storied career. However, CM Punk’s run ended in the worst way possible and now he has hit back at claims that he is a cancer.
In 2021, CM Punk’s debut in AEW was groundbreaking event, establishing him as major figure within the promotion. He reached the pinnacle of his AEW career by winning the AEW World Championship at Double or Nothing 2022. However, his reign was marred by injuries, including a torn triceps sustained during the controversial Brawl Out incident at AEW All Out 2022.
Despite these setbacks, Punk made a notable return in June 2023 as a key figure on AEW Collision. However, his time with AEW ended abruptly following confrontation with Jack Perry, which led to the termination of his contract. After leaving AEW, CM Punk made an unexpected return to WWE at Survivor Series last year.
In fact, Chris Jericho allegedly called CM Punk ‘cancer’ to the AEW locker room. While speaking during the Fanatics Fest, CM Punk was asked about those people who claimed his WWE run would end the same way as his AEW run did.
CM Punk dismissed claims about him being a cancer, stating that such accusations are false. He explained that he treats people based on how they treat him—if someone is unpleasant, he will respond in kind, but if they are friendly, he will be warm and welcoming. Punk acknowledged that some people spread negative stories about him because they can’t control him and dislike his independence. He emphasized that people should make their own judgments and conclusions about him.
“Oh, but that’s b*****. None of that stuff is reality. The ‘he’s a cancer’ talk—oh, and listen, not everybody gets nice me, but I treat you accordingly. If you’re a piece of s*** and you act that way to me, I will treat you that way. If you’re nice, you’re smiling, and you want to have a good time, let’s have a good time—I’m all hugs. But no, and it’s not like I’m two different people. The ones who spread those lies, the ones who say those things about me, it’s because they can’t control me. They can’t control the things I do and say, and they absolutely hate that. So, they try to control the way other people feel or see me, but you’re going to have to make your own judgment and draw your own conclusion.”
With that said, CM Punk wasn’t a fan of AEW airing the All In backstage footage and also revealed why he still supports AEW despite his controversial departure. Despite this, both parties have now moved on from the situation, and that’s what truly matters.
How do you view CM Punk’s response to the allegations of being a disruptive presence in the locker room? Do you think his approach to personal interactions is justified in professional settings like wrestling, where personality clashes are common? Share your thoughts on CM Punk’s situation and his impact on both AEW and WWE.
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