CM Punk knows how to get people talking and he recently took to Instagram to post a story where he went off on Jon Moxley, Tony Khan and Chris Jericho. Punk claimed that he wasn’t cleared when he wrestled Moxley last summer, and that Moxley refused to lose to him. CM Punk quickly deleted the post, but screenshots of it went viral pretty much instantly.
The Wrestling Observer Newsletter reports that CM Punk and AEW were working on a reconciliation with was agreed to in principle. It’s being said that the decision was made by Tony Khan who wanted CM Punk back with the company.
However, it’s not known where things stand at the moment as there are said to be a lot of complicated issues and differences of opinion when it comes to the subject. It’s being said that a reconciliation between CM Punk and AEW was going to happen before CM Punk’s Instagram post, and it still could end up happening, but the post made the situation worse.
There were a variety of opinions on CM Punk before the made the post, and after the post some saw it as a sign that things will never work out with Punk. After Punk took the post down the AEW talent handbook was reportedly circulated and talent were reminded that they are banned from talking to the media without authorization. The following passage was also pointed out regarding the Punk situation:
“Public Criticism of Fellow Team Members. AEW policy prohibits public criticism of fellow team members. Such prohibited public statements may include, but are not limited to: Accusations or criticism of fellow team members or the organization as a whole. Accusations or criticism of tactics/style of wrestling of fellow team members. Accusations or suggestions that certain issues consistently occur in a particular match. Innuendos and indirect statements will also be considered prohibited.
While understanding that social media can be used to help advance storylines, first please check with those with whom you are working before posting. Feel free to run potential posts by Christopher Daniels, a coach or a member of Legal/HR or PR team before posting.”
Almost everyone has avoided talking about the subject because of how sensitive it is. People who were negative about it before CM Punk’s post are said to be more negative about it now. It’s also being said that even those who felt bringing Punk back was best for business are less positive now as well.