CM Punk is currently home recuperating following surgery for a torn triceps. Yet despite being one of AEW’s top stars, it now sounds like he won’t be returning to the promotion due to his part in the infamous backstage fight with The Elite. As following the news that his longtime friend Ace Steel was fired from his role as backstage producer, it’s been reported by Dave Meltzer in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that AEW is in talks with the failed UFC fighter about buying out his contract. With the issue holding up his release being how long his non-compete will last.
Those with close knowledge of the situation said they are in talks with Punk about a buy-out of the remaining years of his contract which tells you that they are not looking to bring him back. The hold-up right now is said to be the non-compete period.
Like him or not, there is still a ton of money to be made with Punk in the wrestling business, although realistically, WWE would be the only company capable of paying him what he currently earns in AEW. Although, whether they would want him back, given their past issues and the fact his comments led to the All Out backstage altercation, remains to be seen. Yet, given how over he was in AEW and the fact signing him would look like they were getting one over AEW, Triple H may at least reach out. Therefore this is likely why AEW wants a non-compete period included in his release.
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