CM Punk appeared on the latest episode of SmackDown, where he left the audience on the edge of their seats. The former AEW star had kept silent on his last pro wrestling run for almost a fortnight after his return. However, finally, the fan’s wish was fulfilled as he made a subtle reference to an incident at the Tony Khan-led promotion.
The Tribute to the Troops edition of SmackDown gave CM Punk the opportunity to do a proper promo. The Second City Saints star didn’t hold himself back from speaking his heart out in front of the Amica Mutual Pavilion, Rhode Island, crowd. He started by considering working with Kevin Owens before he made the stunning remark.
“I don’t know who’d feel comfortable working with somebody who randomly just punches people in the face backstage.”
— CM Punk#SmackDown
— Wrestle Ops (@WrestleOps) December 9, 2023
Punk said that he and Owens were probably way too alike. “I don’t know who’d feel comfortable working with somebody who randomly just punches people in the face backstage,” added Punk. CM Punk got into a heated physical altercation with Kenny Omega and The Young Bucks at AEW All In. His recent comments were in reference to the Brawl Out incident.
It was reported that Punk landed the first punch and the brawl soon turned ugly. This locker room segment was not taken in good spirits by the AEW management. Consequently, without much adieu, CM Punk’s contract was terminated, and he was soon out of the promotion.
Tony Khan and CM Punk are held back from discussing Punk’s AEW exit
CM Punk’s exit from AEW was quite messy. Surrounded by the legal team of the promotion for his backstage brawl, he had to let go of the company. In addition to this, it was revealed that Tony Khan and CM Punk signed a NDA that prevented them from talking about each other.
After his first promo since his return, fans were disappointed as to why Punk did not call out AEW. Dave Meltzer had an answer to Punk’s clean promo. “For those wondering or disappointed that Punk said nothing about AEW, it’s because both he and others have signed several NDA’s regarding talking publicly about the other,” Meltzer reported.
Tony Khan was asked about CM Punk returning to WWE:
“Can’t talk about that, nor do I think it’s the time or the place. But I appreciate you asking & I’m very excited about AEW All In at Wembley Stadium. Not to dodge or duck your question, it’s something I just can’t legally talk… pic.twitter.com/p5a7DLhHIt
— Wrestle Ops (@WrestleOps) November 27, 2023
Tony Khan was asked to comment on CM Punk’s WWE return at Survivor Series. However, the AEW President dodged the question, saying, “I can’t talk about that, nor do I think it’s the time or the place.” Tony also specified that he can’t talk about the same legally confirming the NDA between the two.