The reports of many wrestlers being unhappy backstage in All Elite Wrestling have come to light in recent weeks, with numerous stars in the company said to be ‘at breaking point’ in Tony Khan’s company.
The man who finds himself as the focal point of most of the reports is AEW World Champion CM Punk, who reportedly has real-life issues with Hangman Adam Page, which led to his unplanned mention of him during his promo on the August 17 AEW Dynamite show.
Ahead of his huge AEW World Championship unification bout against interim champion Jon Moxley, Punk spoke to Sports Illustrated ahead of the show, where he was asked about whether or not he feels fulfilled in AEW right now, given the various news pieces that have come out this past week.
He said:
“Yes, 100%. 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. 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.”
One of the reports from this past week noted that AEW were at one point worried that CM Punk may quit the company due to his backstage frustrations. Punk was asked about his various issues in AEW and whether there is any truth to them.
He said:
“It’s one side of the story. My locker room is never closed. It’s always open. Anybody who wants to DM [Dave] Meltzer some bulls**t can come talk to me about it. It’s not macho, stupid bulls**t. I’m an adult. Come talk with me.”
Tony Khan is set to hold a mandatory AEW talent meeting ahead of tonight’s AEW Dynamite in Cleveland.
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