On the AEW side of things, Keller reported that one wrestler who had fallen to the side of not missing Punk in AEW had told of their belief that he would have a smoother ride in WWE. The reasoning noted was a belief that WWE has better leadership on every level when compared to AEW. However, it was also said that AEW’s locker room morale had improved since he departed. Regardless, they believe that Paul Leveque will prove to be a greater source of leadership for Punk than Tony Khan, and Punk should have a greater incentive to behave since he can prove his point that he was never the issue behind the scenes at AEW. 

CM Punk was fired from AEW with cause shortly after an alleged backstage altercation with Jack Perry. The pair had reportedly clashed before All In over a planned spot involving real glass – sugar glass is deemed much safer by industry standards – and Perry remarked on-air about the fact he was using the real variety. As Tony Khan announced Punk’s departure, he noted that he felt his life was in danger, spurring bad faith that he was being hyperbolic on the matter. Punk had previously sat next to Khan during Full Gear 2022’s media scrum as he went off on “Hangman” Adam Page, the EVPs, and Colt Cabana. That was reportedly what had led to another alleged backstage altercation, this time with Kenny Omega and the Young Bucks, and he was on hiatus until June earlier this year as a result. During this time, he also took digs at Jon Moxley and Chris Jericho on social media. So it’s fair to say there was no love lost between Punk and AEW’s locker room.