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Before CM Punk’s Termination, Tony Khan Experienced Something at ‘Work’ He Hadn’t in Four Years

Published Sep 3, 2023 | 8:00 AM EDT

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AEW has finally done it! They have pulled the plug on CM Punk’s career in the promotion. The news was made public hours ago in a press release posted by AEW. According to the statement, it was AEW owner Tony Khan who called the shots. Khan said it was his decision alone. The 40-year-old later provided more clarification on the issue, stating Punk made him feel something he hadn’t felt in four years.

Meanwhile, Punk’s termination comes just a week after AEW All In, the company’s PPV that emanated from the iconic Wembley Stadium in London.

CM Punk endangered the lives of innocent people backstage, says Tony Khan

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One of CM Punk’s biggest supporters, it’s ironic that Tony Khan was the one who decided to sever ties with The Second City Saint. At All In, Punk was involved in an alleged backstage physical altercation with ‘Jungle Boy’ Jack Perry. It took place just before Punk’s match against Samoa Joe for the ‘Real’ AEW World Title.

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The company said an investigation was initiated to find out the cause of the brawl. Upon its conclusion, Punk’s contract stands canceled. “Today I had to make one of the toughest decisions of my professional career. Today I terminated Phil Brooks, CM Punk, for cause,” Khan said in a video message.

He added that Punk left him scared for his security, something he felt for the first time in his career as a producer. “Never, in all that time, have I ever felt, until last Sunday, that my security, my safety, my life, was in danger at a wrestling show,” the AEW owner said.

This decision left opinions divided, with many hailing Khan and others targeting him. He was also heavily booed by the Chicago crowd, where AEW’s weekly show, Collision, took place on September 2.

But Tony Khan received the backing from a pro wrestling legend, who in recent months, has emerged as one of the fiercest critics of the promoter.

Eric Bischoff hails Tony Khan for CM Punk ousting

Eric Bischoff has been a staunch critic of both CM Punk and Tony Khan for some time now. The 68-year-old hasn’t minced words when it comes to these two.

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Previously, he had questioned Khan’s motive after reports stated that Punk was to be brought back for Collision, after his misdemeanor at AEW All Out in September 2022. Similarly, the WWE Hall of Famer didn’t let go of the opportunity to fire some salvos after the All In incident.

But as soon as AEW put out the tweet, he was quick to praise Tony Khan. Part of Bischoff’s tweet read: “A tough one, but the right one.” There is no doubt that Bischoff will be celebrating this development, as he was gunning for it for months. However, many will be sad as Punk’s wrestling prowess was never in doubt.

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So, what’s your view on the firing? Do you think AEW got it right?

Watch This Story: Logical Reasons Why Edge Will Reunite With Christian To Face The Hardys At AEW All In Just Days After Emotional WWE Exit

Written by:

Sudipto Maity

689Articles

One take at a time

Sudipto is a WWE writer at Essentially Sports. He holds a PG degree in Mass Communication. Being an experienced journalist, Sudipto has interviewed WWE Superstars Alberto Del Rio and Sheamus and hopes to add some more names to that list.
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Edited by:

Donna Eva