CM Punk and John Cena engaged in one of the most enduring WWE rivalries. The two professional wrestlers were involved in a protracted feud that frequently spilled beyond the ring. Their electrifying chemistry as each other’s adversaries produced some of the most unforgettable moments in WWE history. It was an element that die-hard fans have cherished.
As per recent reports, John Cena’s longtime enemy has been terminated by All Elite Wrestling. In the statement released by AEW, the reason behind the firing was revealed after a “weeklong internal investigation of an incident” that happened backstage at the AEW: All In London show at Wembley Stadium on Sunday, August 27. The incident in question was an altercation that Punk, real name Phillip Brooks, had with another AEW wrestler, Jack Perry.
John Cena’s Longtime Adversary CM Punk Has Been Fired From AEW
John Cena’s foe appears to have gotten himself into a sticky situation.
The First Dance event on Rampage in 2021 served as the setting for CM Punk’s AEW debut. Following a seven-year hiatus, the professional wrestler made his comeback with this match. His 2023 termination wasn’t the only controversy that followed Punk’s AEW stint. In September 2022, following a backstage kerfuffle that occurred between CM Punk, Kenny Omega, and The Young Bucks post-All Out, these wrestling stars suffered consequent suspensions.
Nine months after the incident, Punk made his return to AEW. However, it now appears that his stint with the wrestling promotion is officially over.
In the statement released by AEW, the following was affirmed:
“All Elite Wrestling (AEW) has terminated the wrestler and employment agreements between Philip Brooks (CM Punk) and AEW with cause, effective immediately. The termination was confirmed today by Tony Khan, CEO, General Manager, and Head of Creative of AEW.”
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Upon receiving “outside legal counsel”, the decision to terminate Brooks’ contract was taken solely by CEO Tony Khan. The event referenced in the statement to have caused this was Punk’s backstage altercation with Jack Perry during the All In London Show. What followed subsequently was a week-long investigation, with the AEW Discipline Committee unanimously recommending that Punk’s association with the promotion be dissolved.
What AEW President Tony Khan Had To Say On The Matter
CM Punk‘s contributions to AEW were appreciated, but CEO Tony Khan had to make the difficult choice to dissolve the former’s contract because he prioritizes the “best interests” of employees as well as those associated with the promotion. He said in the official statement,
“Phil played an important role within AEW and I thank him for his contributions. The termination of his AEW contracts with cause is ultimately my decision and mine alone. Of course, I wish I didn’t have to share this news, which may come as a disappointment to many of our fans.”
The statement further delved into Khan’s allegiance to the safety and security of the unsung heroes of AEW who make the fan-favorite shows a reality:
“Nevertheless, I am making the decision in the best interests of the many amazing people who make AEW possible every week — our talent, staff, venue operators, and many others whose efforts are unsung but essential to bringing our fans great shows on television and at arenas and stadiums throughout the world.”
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The President explained the CM Punk termination controversy on AEW Collision by saying that the backstage confrontation made him feel as though his life was in jeopardy. He further affirmed that firing who many deem AEW’s No. 1 star entailed making a “very difficult choice.” However, he had to proceed with it to ensure the safety of the people who were endangered backstage.
Take a look:
“The incident was regrettable, and it endangered people backstage. I’ve been going to wrestling shows for over 30 years. I’ve been producing them on this network for four years. Never in all that time have I ever felt until last Sunday that my security, my safety, my life was in danger at a wrestling show. I don’t think anybody should feel that way at work.”
With the top wrestling star’s AEW adventures officially coming to an end, only time will tell what’s next for 44-year-old CM Punk. Will he continue his wrestling career? Or will he scour for other alternatives?
Source: Twitter
