All Elite Wrestling made history on Sunday night, but unfortunately AEW’s big moment is somewhat being overshadowed by CM Punk’s backstage altercation with Jack Perry that took place before his match with Samoa Joe.
PW Torch is now reporting that in the heat of the moment CM Punk threatened to quit AEW over his frustration with everything that happened. According to sources the production team was alerted to the possibility of having to potentially change match order due to the incident which happened right before Punk’s match.
There was concern that the start of the show would have to be delayed, but CM Punk regrouped and went on with the match as scheduled. The report also notes that eyewitnesses claim the exchange started after CM Punk and Jack Perry crossed paths backstage which led to Punk asking if they have a problem.
Jack Perry then reportedly said that CM Punk started something online and this was his response. This was a reference to a story that surfaced a few weeks ago claiming that Punk and Perry had a disagreement over Jack Perry wanting to use real glass. Jack Perry felt the story was an attempt by Punk and his camp to make Perry look bad, so he fired back with an unscripted comment on live TV during his match with Hook.
One AEW veteran wrestler who spoke on the subject noted that Tony Khan has fostered an environment where younger wrestlers feel free to “go into business for themselves.” The same veteran noted that they thought Punk overreacted, and should have just let it go, but believed that more firm leadership would dissuade wrestlers from starting these type of situations.
Another AEW source said they believe Jack Perry will end up with more of the blame because he initiated the situation. Several people in AEW are said to be frustrated with the fact that another backstage incident involving CM Punk distracted from what many considered to be a great show and a high point in AEW history. There is said to be growing frustration with CM Punk and Punk’s leadership style is considered to be controversial as it continues to lead to situations where things are escalated instead of just letting things slide.
