CM Punk: Talks With AEW, Moxley Heat, Injury Update, NJPW, Brawl Out (Patreon)

Things got cooking with CM Punk and All Elite Wrestling again, when Punk posted an Instagram Story on March 23. Fightful had already been working on an expansive CM Punk update, but that gave us more to ask about.

Moxley-Punk

In the post, CM Punk confirmed a Fightful Select report from last fall that Jon Moxley pitched the idea of CM Punk losing in a quick match before their All Out match.

Those familiar with the situation say that Punk had communicated that he wasn't comfortable competing in any capacity without being cleared first for the August 24 match. There had been issues regarding the creative throughout the build to the match, and Fightful had reported that there were concerns that Punk wouldn't be at the August 17 Dynamite, as well. However, we're told that special travel arrangements were made to accommodate Punk the day of the match, and Punk had at least floated the idea of additional reimbursement for the match, as he was working without being cleared, per his claims.

We've heard subsequently, Jon Moxley and Punk have appeared to have heat, based on those that Moxley has spoken to after Brawl Out. Moxley helped lead a locker room meeting in the days after with Chris Jericho, who was also called "a liar and a stooge" in the Punk IG post. Bryan Danielson also led the meeting, but wasn't mentioned, and we haven't heard of any heat between Danielson and Punk. Jericho and Punk shouted at each other after the Brawl Out fight took place, with Jericho calling Punk "a cancer," and Punk shouting back at Jericho.

Those in AEW believe that if things came down to a "Moxley or Punk" situation, that AEW would pick Moxley in that decision. Punk is very aware of the heat on him, and the possibility of talent walking out should he return, but we haven't heard his feelings on it. Some of the heat has certainly died down since All Out 2022, but there's plenty that still remains.

Punk and AEW

AEW and CM Punk have had some contact. In fact, some close to Punk claim that he and Tony Khan have "spoken or had a couple of meetings," though we aren't sure what, if anything came of them. We do know there was a planned meeting for mid-February that was delayed, supposedly due to Jerry Jarrett's funeral.

At one point those close to Punk believed that he wanted out of his contract without a non-compete attached, however in recent weeks they believed that Punk was open to returning to AEW, and even wanted to. In an important note, at least one person claimed that Punk was willing to apologize for the scrum portion of the All Out evening. There was a lot of context absent from that claim -- specifically to whom, or whether it'd be publicly or privately. Several people said that Punk has expressed some form of regret for aspect of that night in general.

Sources said that Punk was originally considering the potential of legal action, but haven't heard anything about that being broached in months. In fact, those that we spoke with felt like there had been "productive progression" in the opposite direction. However, sources within AEW that we spoke to lost confidence that Punk would be returning after the March 23 post.

Punk does remain under contract with AEW. We've inquired as to whether or not there was ever a suspension or pay docking involved, but traditionally AEW has paid out wrestlers while they're injured regardless.

Punk has not responded to email inquiries about this story.

Hangman and CM Punk

The issues with Hangman and CM Punk dated back to before their AEW Double or Nothing match, to the point where we're told that Punk ended up having a meeting with AEW officials. We're told that Punk had expressed his frustration regarding Hangman Page's comments during a promo that Punk believed referenced Colt Cabana, and wasn't satisfied with the resolution, or lack thereof. This led to him calling out Hangman Page months later upon his return.

Those that we've heard from claim that Page makes an effort to remove himself from this situation and has tried to move past it.

Injury Update

As far as CM Punk's injury status, he tore his triceps at AEW All Out before the scrum. Those with knowledge of the situation said that he was hopeful he could be fully healthy by late January, but believe that now he'd be able to be cleared, and if not now, very soon. There were some asking about him filming for Heels season 2 since he posted a picture from the set recently, but that season reportedly wrapped last July.

Brawl Out

The true accounts of Brawl Out will likely never be known unless Punk and The Elite get together and explain in detail, which is unlikely. However, we've learned a little more about that situation.

There were other talent who were present at the time of the brawl, but did not get physically involved, and therefore weren't suspended. However, there was another production employee who ended up getting struck with a chair that hadn't been previously revealed.

There were some rumors recently that Punk and Kenny Omega had a conversation a few days after, which isn't true. By then, Punk was set for surgery and Kenny Omega already had other plans. However, Punk and Kenny Omega did have a brief conversation after the Brawl Out fight, in the immediate moments following. Punk was said to have told Omega that the issue wasn't with him. Those that were nearby said the two were going to continue talking, but Ace Steel was still being dealt with at that point. Even those close with Punk claim that Omega was surprisingly composed during the aftermath. Omega had been scheduled to go to Japan to do Tokyo Game Show work for AEW, but due to the suspension, ended up taking a personal trip over there.

NJPW

Those that we spoke to in New Japan Pro Wrestling were not aware that CM Punk was going to attend their Battle in the Valley show, but said they would have welcomed him regardless. Sources in New Japan just didn't want AEW to think they were conspiring against a partner, which was cleared up quickly.

The only people who had knowledge Punk was going to the NJPW Battle in the Valley show were Lars Frederiksen, who he went with, Lou D'Angeli (A close friend of Punk, formerly Lou E. Dangerously in ECW, and current VP of Marketing for Anthem), and Rob Naylor. Frederiksen had asked Rocky Romero if he and a friend could attend the show back in January, and it was set up without NJPW knowing it'd be Punk with him. We're told that Punk wanted to go to the show and support Mercedes Mone's debut match in NJPW.

Notes

Fightful Select reached out to both AEW and CM Punk for the story, but did not hear back from either in an official capacity.