Backstage Latest On AEW's Brand Split Plans

The seemingly impending All Elite Wrestling brand split might not be as "soft" as originally expected.

Reports that AEW plans on splitting its roster into distinct brands have spread like wildfire over the past week or so, with multiple outlets suggesting a "soft" break. The idea would be to separate Dynamite personnel from those assigned to the company's upcoming Saturday night brand, though AEW would endeavour to provide the shows with equal star power.

Mat Men's Andrew Zarian reported that AEW's Saturday show, Collision, could debut in June. The two-hour broadcast would run from 8 PM to 10 PM EST, with 17 June from Chicago, Illinois' Wintrust Arena the potential jump-off point.

Since then, Zarian has stated that AEW's brand split might be "less soft" than originally alluded to, doing so on Wrestling Observer Live:-

Zarian stated that "CM Punk is essentially happening." AEW's television network, WarnerBros Discovery, have been told the former World Champion is on the way back, with Punk willing to work with The Elite. This isn't necessarily reciprocated, however: Zarian stated that although Kenny Omega might be more eager than The Young Bucks, The Elite do not want to collaborate with Punk.

It has been speculated that AEW's brand split was a means of keeping certain wrestlers apart should the promotion bring Punk back. Currently, the 44-year-old remains indefinitely suspended after brawling with The Elite post-All Out 2022, where he verbally attacked Omega, the Bucks, 'Hangman' Adam Page, and Colt Cabana during an incendiary media scrum.

Dave Meltzer has previously reported a meeting between AEW founder and CEO Tony Khan, Punk, Chris Jericho, FTR, and others have been scheduled. Zarian confirmed this with multiple sources, adding that Jericho and Punk could head the Saturday show.

It was stated, too, that despite having problems with Punk in the past, Jericho could be willing to work on the situation if there's money to be made.