AEW releases CM Punk ‘with cause’ after physical altercation at All In PPV event in London
CM Punk, also known as Phil Brooks, has been fired from All Elite Wrestling (AEW) after getting into a physical altercation with fellow wrestler Jack Perry at the All In pay-per-view event in London. This is the second backstage physical altercation that Brooks has been involved in during his time with the company.
Background
Punk, who had previously retired from wrestling in 2014 after a messy split with WWE, made a comeback by signing with AEW in August 2021. In May of the following year, he won the AEW world title but suffered a broken foot that kept him out of action until August. After returning, he made comments at a post-event press conference accusing AEW executive vice presidents The Young Bucks and Kenny Omega of spreading rumors about him. This led to a physical altercation between Brooks and trainer Ace Steel against The Young Bucks and Omega, resulting in suspensions for all involved parties.
The All In Event
The recent physical altercation between Brooks and Perry took place at AEW’s All In event, which was held at Wembley Stadium in London. Prior to the event, there was a disagreement between the two regarding a planned spot in a match where Perry intended to use “real glass,” resulting in his being written off television for a week. Brooks had expressed concern about the safety of the spot, but Perry went ahead with it, leading to tension between the two.
After wrestling on the All In pre-show, Perry made comments on camera, dismissing Brooks’ concerns about the spot. This sparked a confrontation between the two before Brooks went on to open the pay-per-view with a match against Samoa Joe. Rumors have circulated about the extent of the physicality of the backstage altercation, with most reports suggesting that Brooks punched Perry.
Termination and Fallout
AEW conducted a weeklong internal investigation into the incident, involving its Discipline Committee and outside legal counsel. The committee ultimately recommended the termination of Brooks’ contract “with cause.” This decision was supported by AEW CEO Tony Khan, who stated that it was made in the best interests of the company and its employees.
In an official statement, Khan expressed gratitude for Brooks’ contributions to AEW but emphasized that the termination was his decision alone. He acknowledged that the news might disappoint fans but emphasized the importance of putting the well-being of the talent, staff, and other individuals involved in AEW productions first.
Philosophical Discussion: Balancing Creativity and Safety
CM Punk’s termination raises questions about the delicate balance between creativity and safety in professional wrestling. Wrestling has always been an art form that blurs the lines between fiction and reality, and performers are often expected to push the boundaries in terms of physical stunts and dramatic storytelling. However, incidents like the one involving Punk and Perry highlight the importance of establishing clear boundaries and prioritizing the well-being of the performers.
On one hand, performers like Punk have a duty to express their concerns about potentially dangerous spots, ensuring that their colleagues are protected and that the overall product remains entertaining without unnecessarily putting wrestlers at risk. This responsibility requires a willingness to speak up and engage in discussions about the potential consequences of certain moves or stunts.
On the other hand, performers should also have the creative freedom to explore new ideas and take calculated risks in their matches. Professional wrestling thrives when it challenges norms and captivates audiences with unexpected moments. However, there should always be a limit to the risks taken, and performers should be receptive to feedback and willing to compromise when necessary.
Editorial: A Reminder of Responsibility
The termination of CM Punk’s contract serves as a reminder of the responsibility that comes with being a professional wrestler. While the allure of pushing boundaries and creating memorable moments can be enticing, it is crucial for wrestlers to prioritize their safety and the safety of their colleagues. Collaboration, communication, and mutual respect are vital in maintaining a healthy and productive environment within the wrestling industry.
AEW’s decision to conduct a thorough investigation and ultimately terminate Punk’s contract demonstrates the importance of accountability in the face of potential misconduct. It showcases a commitment to creating a safe and professional working environment that prioritizes the well-being of all involved.
Advice for the Wrestling Industry
The wrestling industry as a whole can learn from the situation involving CM Punk and Jack Perry. Promotions should double down on their efforts to enforce clear guidelines regarding the boundaries of in-ring performances. This includes fostering open lines of communication between performers, trainers, and management, creating an environment where concerns can be addressed without fear of retaliation.
Furthermore, promotions should consider implementing robust disciplinary processes and internal investigations to handle situations involving misconduct and physical altercations professionally and impartially. By holding individuals accountable for their actions and decisions, the industry can establish a culture of responsibility and respect.
Lastly, performers should be encouraged to prioritize their physical and mental well-being, seeking adequate training, rest, and recovery. Wrestlers should never feel pressured to push their limits beyond what is safe or comfortable for them. By promoting a healthier approach to the art form, the wrestling industry can continue to thrive while maintaining the safety and integrity of its performers.
<< photo by Headway >>
The image is for illustrative purposes only and does not depict the actual situation.
