CM Punk addresses his loyalty to AEW and not putting too much stock in "internet rumors"
Following CM Punk's explosive opening promo on AEW Dynamite on August 17, 2022, Fightful Select was able to confirm the reports made by the Wrestling Observer that CM Punk's comments regarding Hangman Page were not planned. Fightful Select also reported on CM Punk’s behavior behind the scenes according to those close to the situation.
Sources familiar with the situation claim that CM Punk has often verbally expressed his displeasure about things, including recently so blatantly that they thought he might end up quitting the company. Those close to him said that he might have almost decided to stay home instead of coming to the August 17 Dynamite, but don't think he would have quit. We haven't been given any indication that he plans on leaving AEW, but one veteran said they have heard of "threats being levied."
Fightful was also told that the Moxley vs. Punk match for the August 24 episode of AEW Dynamite was a late decision. We haven't been told how late, and when we asked AEW higher ups for context, we didn't gain any. We haven't learned the crux of what led to Punk's current frustrations that would have led to him hypothetically not showing up at Dynamite, whether it be the change in the match, Hangman's jab back in may or otherwise.
Now, speaking about internet rumors and his upcoming match against Jon Moxley, CM Punk tells Justin Barrasso of Sports Illustrated that it's not a question of whether or not he loves AEW as he's very grateful for what the promotion has afforded him, a second chance at his dream job.
“You try not to put too much stock in internet rumors. But for AEW, I definitely think that’s part of our audience. Twitter’s not real life, though. On top of that, a lie makes its way around the world twice before the truth puts his boots on or gets out of bed,” said Punk. “If I addressed every rumor, I’d be here all day. I love AEW. It’s not a competition of who loves it more or who’s the heart and soul, or who’s this and who’s that. AEW allowed me a second chance to do what I do best, and that’s professionally wrestle.”
Furthermore, CM Punk says he is always open to communication with anyone, saying that his locker room is never closed.
“It’s one side of the story,” Punk says. “My locker room is never closed. It’s always open. Anybody who wants to DM [the Wrestling Observer’s Dave] Meltzer some bulls--- can come talk to me about it. It’s not macho, stupid bulls---. I’m an adult. Come talk with me.”
As for the upcoming match with Jon Moxley, this will be his first match since June 1, 2022. CM Punk says he's not sure if he's 100%, but he won't know if he is “game-ready” until he plays the game.
“I don’t want to let the team down, but I don’t want to reinjure myself,” Punk says. “I told my wife, my surgeon, and Tony [Khan] that I’m in a rush to be healthy, not in a rush to get back. Whereas, in the past, two weeks after knee surgery, it was, ‘I’ll owe you one, pal. We need you to do this match.’ I didn’t feel comfortable about that. I feel 100% testing my limits on Dynamite.”
Fans can check out a full preview of Dynamite at this link. We will have full coverage beginning at 8 p.m. Eastern on August 24 and we will have a post-show podcast on our YouTube channel after the show goes off the air.
