AEW In Talks To Buy CM Punk's Contract Out?
CM Punk is NOT expected to return to AEW following All Out fight. Now, a buy-out could happen.
All Elite Wrestling and CM Punk have reportedly been in talks over a potential contract buy-out for the former World Champion.
Dave Meltzer reports as much in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, stating that Punk returning to AEW remains doubtful, with sources close to the situation claiming the promotion has been negotiating to buy the remaining years of the 43-year-old's contract out.
A potential non-compete period is holding things up. Meltzer notes that for this to be an issue, it'd be down to assumed interest in Punk going back to WWE, as the market leaders would be the only wrestling company capable of paying Punk close to what he makes on his AEW deal.
That Punk is currently sidelined with a suspected torn triceps suffered while competing at All Out means that regardless of a non-compete period, he won't be able to wrestle for months anyway.
Meltzer notes that most AEW talent hold a decidedly anti-Punk sentiment following All Out, where he brawled with Kenny Omega and The Young Bucks after taking aim at them, 'Hangman' Adam Page, and more during the event's post-show press scrum. Punk and The Elite remain suspended following this. Ace Steel, meanwhile, has been let go, having reportedly bitten Omega and pulled his hair during the fracas.
With regards to the Punk/WWE link, Punk has existing relationships with Adam Pearce and Paul Heyman, both of whom have sway in Stamford.
This update represents the biggest development in this saga since September, when PWTorch's Wade Keller reported that Punk wasn't expected to wrestle for AEW again.