Report: Tony Khan Holds "Constructive" AEW Talks With CM Punk

AEW founder and CEO Tony Khan has held what have been described as "constructive" talks with CM Punk following the now-former World Champion's role in the chaotic post-All Out 2022 brawl with The Elite.

Yesterday saw Sports Illustrated's Justin Barrasso break the news that Khan and Punk had held talks on Tuesday. In an update, Steve Muehlhausen of DAZN reports that this was a "constructive" conversation, with producer Ace Steel's suspension, in particular, being interpreted as a sign he might not be fired.

Sources: Keep getting asked about CM Punk. Here's what I know: Tony Khan met w/Punk in Chicago on Tuesday. The talk "was constructive". What that means who knows but Steel being suspended is being seen as a sign he won't be fired. He still could be. Lot of moving parts still.

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— Steven Muehlhausen (@SMuehlhausenJr) September 7, 2022

Steel is alleged to have thrown a chair at Nick Jackson, bitten Kenny Omega, and pulled Omega's hair during the melee. Punk, who was accosted by The Elite in his locker room, reportedly threw at least one punch at Matt Jackson.

Elsewhere, the Wrestling Observer reported prior to last night's Dynamite that AEW had scheduled a Zoom call with Punk and Steel for 4 PM on Wednesday.

- A Zoom call is scheduled with Punk & Steel for 4 PM today with AEW personnel.

- Punk will require surgery, necessitating a new champion be crowned. https://t.co/SSIVfJUASu

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— Wrestling Observer (@WONF4W) September 7, 2022

There is currently no word on how this second set of talks progressed.

Punk, who suffered a serious injury while wrestling Jon Moxley at All Out, has since vacated the World Title, with AEW announcing the Grand Slam Tournament of Champions to crown his successor. The All Out brawl was sparked by his incendiary comments during the event's post-show press scrum, with AEW's Executive Vice Presidents, Colt Cabana, and 'Hangman' Adam Page all falling in his crosshairs.