Report: AEW Quietly Hired Controversial Name MONTHS Ago

AEW re-hired Ace Steel to work on the upcoming Collision brand "several months ago," reports Haus of Wrestling.

Steel, who was released by the promotion post-Brawl Out 2022, re-entered wider wrestling conversations earlier this week. Fightful Select reported that Steel coming back had been presented to his long-time friend, CM Punk, on the condition that Ace wouldn't be allowed to work television tapings - which Punk didn't agree with. PWInsider noted, too, that AEW had opted not to allow Steel work actual shows. The outlet noted that this led to Punk being removed from Collision/Warner Bros. Discovery promotional materials at Wednesday's upfronts.

Punk and Steel brawled with Kenny Omega and The Young Bucks after All Out 2022, leading to indefinite suspensions for the involved parties. Steel was subsequently let go from his role as a coach/producer.

Now, Haus of Wrestling reports that Ace was re-hired soon after this. AEW told him he would work alongside company founder and CEO Tony Khan in a creative capacity, though his appearing backstage may upset certain talent. As a result, Steel has been working remotely.

Interestingly, Haus of Wrestling also notes an "understanding" that would have seen Steel return to the road upon Collision's launch. This changed on Tuesday, when it was decided that Ace wouldn't attend shows, leading to a "miscommunication between lawyers" - and Punk's removal from Collision's materials.

Despite this, Haus of Wrestling adds that Punk remains with AEW, is motivated, and wants to help the promotion grow, maintaining a "sound" relationship with Khan. The 44-year-old and the AEW boss have "no issues" at the moment.