CM Punk, Kenny Omega, Ace Steel, and The Young Bucks were involved in a backstage fight at AEW all Out after Punk ripped Colt Cabana, Hangman Adam Page, and the AEW EVPs at the media scrum following the show.
Punk defeated Jon Moxley at AEW All Out 2022 to reclaim the World Heavyweight Title, but he tore his left triceps while performing a tope. He later underwent surgery, and the recovery period is usually between 6 and 8 months.
Ace Steel was eventually fired from AEW due to the brawl, while the rest remain suspended.
Dave Meltzer reported in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that AEW is currently in talks to buy out CM Punk’s contract.
“Those with close knowledge of the situation said they are in talks with Punk about a buy-out of the remaining years of his contract which tells you that they are not looking to bring him back. The hold-up right now is said to be the non-compete period.”
Meltzer added that if the non-compete period is an issue, then it’s about interest in Punk potentially returning to WWE because no other promotion could pay Punk what he had been making in AEW.
