I lifted this from elsewhere, and they lifted it from Reddit, who lifted it from the Wrestling Observer, so it's hot potatoes and probably half fucking wrong... but apparently a third party that witnessed it says Punk started it, then he went at Tony.
"Another version, and this would be a neutral source who was not a wrestler but was there and witnessed it and his version was that right after Perry came to the back, Punk went nose-to-nose with him aggressively and asked him if he had a problem. That person said Perry said he was just looking to get heat as a heel. Punk shoved him hard, Perry got in his face and in that version Punk sucker punched him and went for a choke. People immediately broke it up and Khan was yelling at Punk to let him go.
That person said that once they were separated, Punk lunged in Khan’s direction but a number of people got in his way while Punk was yelling “I Quit.” Monitors were knocked down during all this. Joe was very upset and went to calm Punk down."
One has to wonder what the video of the incident looks like for them to take such decisive action...
Anyway this is probably for the best, it was obvious that there was a high risk of continued incidents if this wasn't done.
And also, not taking strong action would have set a dangerous precedent that you can get away with being problematic as long as you are a big name.
With this, the message is clear that you only get so many strikes before a line is crossed.
Even if there wasn’t video of it, Tony Khan was right there. I also agree with what you’re saying. Punk would have driven away a lot of talent if this continued and it isn’t good business to build up stars only for them to leave.
I boosted this one because it doesn't go to "dirt sheets" that are just reposting what Tony and AEW have said in this twitter/x post.
I'm guessing with the fact there were cameras everywhere and allegedly video of the incident was captured that it proved CM Punk was the problem. Even if that's not true, I think this is the best action because it's clear there is a common denominator in the backstage incidents. It just sucks their number one and number three merch mover is the problem.
More than just the cameras, some of the accounts I read said that Khan himself was an eyewitness. Some of the reports even said that Punk started shouting at Khan afterwards.
Had he stayed, Punk would have driven out so much talent and Tony Khan would never be trusted as someone who can put his personal feelings for the benefit of his employees.
People need to keep in mind that Hulk Hogan and Randy Savage's massive egos were a big part of what killed WCW. They basically sucked all the oxygen out of the room, robbing promising wrestlers like Rey Mysterio Jr. of their rightful fame.
I feel like this issue could have been resolved if Tony Kahn stopped being the cool boss for 2 fucking seconds and at least hired someone to deal with this. Someone to keep punk wrangled, someone to keep the locker room from leaking to the dirt sheets, someone to crack the whip if need be.
Things didnt need to get this bad, but he didnt know how to manage these guys.
Add comment