STATEMENT: All Elite Wrestling has terminated the wrestler & employment agreements between Phillip Brooks (CM Punk) and AEW with cause, effective immediately. The termination was confirmed today by Tony Khan, CEO, General Manager and Head of Creative of AEW.
The termination follows a weeklong internal investigation of an incident occurring backstage at AEW – All In London on Sunday, August 27. Following the study, the AEW Discipline Committee met and was later concerned with outside legal counsel before making a unanimous recommendation to Tony Khan that CM Punk be terminated with cause.
Tony Khan Statement:
“Phillip Brooks played an important role within AEW and I thank him for his contributions. Terminating his AEW Contracts with cause is ultimately my decision and mine alone. Of course, I wish I didn’t have to share this news, which may come as a disappointment to many of our fans. Nevertheless, I am making the decision in the best interests of the many amazing people who make AEW possible every week – our talent, staff, venue operates and many others whose efforts are unsung but essential to bringing our fans great shows on television and arenas and stadiums throughout the world”
At AEW’s “All In 2023” event, held at Wembley Stadium in London on August 27, CM Punk (Phillip Brooks) was involved in a high-profile backstage altercation with fellow AEW wrestler Jack Perry. This incident led to significant repercussions for Punk within the organization. Here are the key details:
The Incident
- Backstage Altercation: The altercation between CM Punk and Jack Perry reportedly took place backstage shortly before the start of the “All In 2023” event. It stemmed from a dispute related to comments Perry made during his match, which Punk took offense to.
- Physical Confrontation: The altercation quickly escalated into a physical confrontation. Details about the exact nature of the incident vary, but it resulted in both wrestlers being separated by AEW officials and other wrestlers present backstage.