CM Punk‘s return to AEW has generated a lot of headlines, deservedly so due to the notoriety he has earned throughout a pro wrestling career with its share of controversial moments.
At All Out 2022, Punk sparked controversy with a brawl and an infamous press conference where he called out Adam Page. In the presser, Punk said that he was “trying to run a business,” which led to speculation that he owned a stake in AEW, kind of similar to Lionel Messi’s recent move to Major League Soccer’s Inter Miami.
During the AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door media call, however, AEW President Tony Khan put a pin in any rumors about Punk owning a piece of the company.
“That’s just a colloquialism,” Khan said. “I own the business, but he’s one of the top stars here and has an interest in AEW being a strong box office business.”
Khan went on to praise Punk for driving interest to AEW’s shows and his overall impact on the company.
“His return is helping us and helped launch AEW Collision with a great rating and he drives interest in our TV shows, pay-per-views, and merchandise,” Khan said. “He’s a huge star for us. He’s definitely interested in the bottom line being strong and he wants the company to do well. That’s a colloquialism, though.”
Punk’s original quote from 2022 seemed to focus on worrying about the AEW business and trying to help it succeed, rather than owning a stake in the company. Plus, a pro wrestler having a piece of a major wrestling promotion would be unprecedented, but as always, never say never in this business.
Punk has only been back in AEW for a few days, but he already has a big weekend ahead of him as he wrestles at Collision and Forbidden Door. The only thing he will own is the ring.