More Evidence That CM Punk's AEW Explosion Was Planned

Evidence is mounting that CM Punk's now-infamous spiel at AEW's post-All Out 2022 press scrum was pre-planned.

Dave Meltzer reports in the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter that shortly after returning to AEW prior to the 4 September pay-per-view, Punk had stated that the post-show press conference would be interesting.

A fortnight later, AEW was plunged into chaos due to Punk's pointed criticism of the group's Executive Vice Presidents, Colt Cabana, and 'Hangman' Adam Page, leading to a brawl when Kenny Omega and The Young Bucks confronted the then-World Champion in his locker room. All involved parties have been suspended, a third-party investigation has commenced, and The Elite and Punk have been stripped of their Trios and World Title respectively (though Punk tearing his triceps would've necessitated this anyway).

Meltzer and Wrestling Observer Radio cohost Bryan Alvarez reported earlier in the week that several people within AEW were of the belief that what happened at the press conference is exactly what Punk had planned.

Punk's AEW future now hangs in the balance, with a full-on termination seemingly still on the table. It's unlikely that further, more decisive action will come before the investigation's completion, however.