Tony Khan is asked about Survivor Series.
Back in August 2021, Khan did what many thought was impossible, brought CM Punk back to professional wrestling. Following the WWE walkout in 2014 and numerous interviews and social media posts that followed, Punk looked to be finished with in-ring competition forever. However, as live crowds were being brought back into arenas due to COVID-19 restrictions being relaxed, the biggest wrestling return in recent memory walked out to a rapturous ovation in Chicago on AEW Rampage.
Relations between Punk and Khan were very healthy and all seemed well until spring 2022, when Punk’s rivalry with Adam Page started to reveal cracks in the relationship between Punk and AEW. Fast forward to All Out, one year after Punk’s return match and the infamous press conference took place, which led to the altercation backstage that caused Punk and The Elite to be suspended.
Brought back in June 2023 as the star of the new show Collision and more stories about the former AEW World Champion hitting the headlines, Punk was ultimately fired by Khan following an altercation that took place at AEW All In.
Rumours would swell regarding CM Punk’s WWE return at Survivor Series, which was also in Chicago. The rumours would turn out to be true as Punk walked out to another thunderous ovation as over 17,000 fans cheered his return.
To promote AEW All In 2024, Khan took part in an interview with BBC West Midlands. As Punk used to work for Khan, the AEW owner was asked about his thoughts on Survivor Series. Those familiar with Khan interviews will be familiar with the response, not answering the question directly but using it as an opportunity to promote a future event:
“Can’t talk about that nor do I think it’s the time or the place. But I appreciate you asking and I am really excited about AEW All In at Wembley Stadium. Not to dodge or duck your question, it’s just not something I can legally talk about.”
Why Did Tony Khan Fire CM Punk?
Following Jack Perry’s match on the All In pre-show, where Perry referenced the use of real glass in relation to a previous argument he had with Punk, the two would have a physical altercation backstage, which ultimately led to both being ejected from the stadium and later suspended. Tony Khan, who said that he “feared for his life” during the argument, felt that he had no choice but to fire CM Punk from AEW. The announcement was made one day before the All Out pay-per-view, also in Chicago.
Although Punk has since left AEW and returned to WWE, Perry has yet to make any further appearances on AEW programming.
In a separate interview, Tony Khan revealed how he made changes to AEW All In to benefit Taylor Swift fans.
If you use any quotes from this article please credit BBC and leave a h/t to Inside The Ropes.