How Tony Khan's Biggest Mistake Will Change AEW Forever

CM Punk Chris Jericho
WWE.com

This rumoured Punk Vs. Jericho programme is an attempt by AEW to have its cake and eat it too. It is a comprise that very few people asked for - nobody really fantasy booked Punk Vs. Jericho, an overdone WWE feud, before or even after the real-life animosity surfaced - including Punk himself.

When CM Punk debuted in AEW, he did in fact work with "Darbs", as he nicknamed Darby Allin on Twitter, before even stepping foot in the United Center. After the First Dance, Punk and Tony Khan fielded a press conference, one that played out in the exact opposite manner to Brawl Out. Punk expressed a willingness and enthusiasm to wrestle Kenny Omega and the Young Bucks. Brian Pillman, Jr. Ricky Starks. Powerhouse Hobbs. Jungle Boy. Jon Moxley. He also listed these names in an appearance on the Sessions with Renee Paquette. He spoke of his desire to work with several AEW talents across various outlets, and not in one single solitary interview was the name 'Chris Jericho' brought up.

Also: who is the heel here?

Punk is guaranteed to generate a divisive reaction. A lot of people want him back, and a lot of people don't - but is Chris Jericho really the face and soul of AEW? Kenny Omega or Jon Moxley would surely fare better in getting that dynamic across.

If this isn't happening, a second two-hour "A" show is, and the implications of that are not ideal. It isn't happening purely to accommodate Punk, but Punk by all accounts is being accommodated on it.

For better and for worse, in the two diametrically opposed extremes, CM Punk is uncompromising. That was and is the theme of his entire career, and yet the fourth chapter of it threatens to dilute that.

AEW is the promotion that doesn't insult your intelligence.

CONT'D...(3 of 5)

Advertisement
Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!