I didn't expect the locker room drama to explode the way it did, so moving forward, we'll give each story it's designated thread.

According to the Observer, AEW plans to buy out the rest of Punk's contract under the condition that Punk honours a non-compete clause. Punk still has connections to the WWE and AEW are fearful that WWE will capitilise on the situation by signing Punk to a deal.

Neither party has denied these claims thus far.

Earlier in the week, Ace Steel was released as a producer for his role in the conflict.

Punk and WWE had years to get back together and they didn't - why would they want him now, when he seems to be more of an asshole than ever?

Punk returning to the WWE is an inevitability but I can't see him tucking tail and coming back at least not in the next 12 months.

Why would the WWE want him? He's injured right now, they're doing good business without him for the time being. Things will be different down the road, but right now I think it's just precautionary.

The big news to come out of this is that it appears this is being finalised and the Elite will return soon with a point to prove. They seemed to be the lesser evil in all of this and even if the situation was 50/50 you'd rather the Elite in the short term because they're healthy and they give the show it's identity.

Also worth noting that AEW will be filming a reality show from November 2nd on. Having the Elite return would be a pretty big hook for that show. I'd certainly watch it, even if it's kitschy reality tv. Like the first season of Total Bellas that was filmed around Danielson's retirement, you do get some pretty decent insight along with the JJ Bella nonsense.

Waste of time lol.

When Punk is 'on' he's great, but he's a massive liability now (injuries, ego, etc). Plus, he and HHH HATE each other. I don't see WWE reaching out honestly, but I've been wrong before.

For a guy who needs wrestling more than wrestling needs him (especially now), Punk sure doesn't act like it.

Oct 21, 2022 16:00:53 GMT Big Pete said:

Punk returning to the WWE is an inevitability but I can't see him tucking tail and coming back at least not in the next 12 months.

Why would the WWE want him? He's injured right now, they're doing good business without him for the time being. Things will be different down the road, but right now I think it's just precautionary.

The big news to come out of this is that it appears this is being finalised and the Elite will return soon with a point to prove. They seemed to be the lesser evil in all of this and even if the situation was 50/50 you'd rather the Elite in the short term because they're healthy and they give the show it's identity.

Also worth noting that AEW will be filming a reality show from November 2nd on. Having the Elite return would be a pretty big hook for that show. I'd certainly watch it, even if it's kitschy reality tv. Like the first season of Total Bellas that was filmed around Danielson's retirement, you do get some pretty decent insight along with the JJ Bella nonsense.

There's more interest in getting AJ lee on good terms with WWE than there should be with CM Punk, the former took a hit because of the latter's exit. Especially when some of the NXT girls practically idolized Lee and are mentioning her consistently as a "mother".

Next time you see Punk on WWE TV is for a HOF induction, that's about it.

Oct 21, 2022 16:11:35 GMT iron maiden said:

When Punk is 'on' he's great, but he's a massive liability now (injuries, ego, etc). Plus, he and HHH HATE each other. I don't see WWE reaching out honestly, but I've been wrong before.

For a guy who needs wrestling more than wrestling needs him (especially now), Punk sure doesn't act like it.

If Punk comes back, it's Nick Khan who made it happen, not Stephanie or HHH. Khan is above both in the pecking order.

Triple H be like " on your knees dog "

The AEW locker room is anti-punk now the reports said. HHH seen first hand how Punk is, and also seen how little Punk was actually in AEW due to repeated injuries. I do not think HHH pays top dollar for him.

If HHH does not want Punk, Punk does not come back. Khan is a businessman first and foremost, and it is bad business to bring in someone who management thinks will be a problem. Moreso when the cost is several million dollars.

And rating wise, Punk did not really move the dial. His debut did, but afterwards he was not even a top guy in AEW as DB debuted, then sober Mox and Omega returned.

Oct 21, 2022 16:11:35 GMT iron maiden said:

When Punk is 'on' he's great, but he's a massive liability now (injuries, ego, etc). Plus, he and HHH HATE each other. I don't see WWE reaching out honestly, but I've been wrong before.

For a guy who needs wrestling more than wrestling needs him (especially now), Punk sure doesn't act like it.

HHH will do business with him if Punk could check his ego.  And seemed Punk's hate was more directed at Johnny Ace.  But I think HHH would come out of retirement (if his heart allows) to fight Punk as it would mean money.

The question then is what do you with Punk?  Not a whole lot of matches for him.  He could beat Roman and go on a title run, feud with Seth maybe, feud with Cody maybe, but then you quickly run out of ideas.  

If they need a star on the main shows, they got a few in NXT that should come up, Bron in particular.   Can pair with Scott if they want to shine him more.  Scott should not wrestle, but he is still good enough on a mic.  The Dog Faced Gremlin can make his appearances too.  All three are a fraction of the cost of Punk.

I think if they were struggling in terms of ticket sales and maybe ratings, they would entertain the idea. But they’re doing 6-8k twice a week most weeks and their packing big arenas and stadiums for PPVs. Ratings are also faring well, so where is the upside?

Oct 21, 2022 22:18:50 GMT c said:

The AEW locker room is anti-punk now the reports said. HHH seen first hand how Punk is, and also seen how little Punk was actually in AEW due to repeated injuries. I do not think HHH pays top dollar for him.

If HHH does not want Punk, Punk does not come back. Khan is a businessman first and foremost, and it is bad business to bring in someone who management thinks will be a problem. Moreso when the cost is several million dollars.

And rating wise, Punk did not really move the dial. His debut did, but afterwards he was not even a top guy in AEW as DB debuted, then sober Mox and Omega returned.

Nick Khan cut a lot of the HHH guys and gals, he has a say. Vince is also probably puppetmaster behind the scenes and he is willing to sell his soul for the ratings. 

The problem is Punk was stupid to run his mouth on Dwayne Johnson, who is extremely close with Nick Khan. That is what does him in.

I'm looking forward to the 'Self Destruction of CM Punk ' documentary.

#freeaj

I miss AJ Lee

If CM Punk returned to WWE it would be to spite AEW and nothing more, because he’s that petty.

Still just do not see it. To get Punk back in WWE he will want top dollar. But he does not draw like Reigns or Brock. He also will likely want Wrestlemania because of his ego but Punk vs HHH is the only thing that could really headline WM.

Then again, WWE does not seem to be moving to do Lashley vs Brock at WM, no clue what their WM dream is, outside of another Brock vs Reigns match or Lashley vs Reigns match. Both matches vs Reigns ara good, but Brock / Lashley is the big fucking match IMO.

I just don't see it.

He's alienated so many people in WWE, particularly at the top end. I couldn't imagine Triple H and The McMahons being too thrilled to be in the same room as Punk, and Michaels will follow Hunter's lead.

He's ran his mouth about Rock. Had heat with Owens, Styles, Miz, etc. I'm sure there's more. And half the WWE roster is likely good friends with The Bucks, Kenny or likely Colt aswell.

So, do you bring in a dude that everyone hates just to sell some T-Shirts? I wouldn't.

But dynamics in WWE are different. Punk's a bitch compared to the physically larger WWE roster - so he ain't throwing hands with anyone, nor likely speaking out of turn too much. Triple H ain't TK, meaning he ain't a dweeb too scared to pull the leash when a guy like Punk starts barking.

However the endgame would be getting AJ Lee into the WWE fold again for a HOF induction (Torrie Wilson got in) and likely some on air work.

That is really the biggest thing. It is not just that Punk is hated in the AEW lockerroom, but he threw hands. WWE is publicly traded, and shit like a backstage brawl because Punk feels disrespected will REALLY hurt them with investors.

AJ can still make the HOF without Punk too. They would likely induct Punk though too, but inducting him would mean as far as WWE is concerned his career is over.

Is his career not over?

Where does Punk go when AEW and WWE don't want him?

NJPW? lol No. IMPACT? Probably can't afford him. GCW... he wouldn't survive a match.

I'm convinced that the only reason CM Punk isn't bought out of his contract already is because he realized how badly he fucked up, can't admit it, and is now dragging his feet/playing hardball in hopes that AEW will eventually welcome him back so he can play out whatever is left of said contract.

I'll probably end up being wrong about this, but I have a strong feeling that nothing between AEW and CM Punk will be resolved before his injury is healed. I think he's going to drag this out until he is healthy then fight to come back. Then if he doesn't, he can try and spin it so that AEW is the bad guy, and if he does, he gets what he wants.

Steel is fired, The Elite will probably be back soon, and then he can just sit at home and heal and instruct his legal team to make this fight last as long as possible so he can try and salvage whatever shred of credibility he thinks he has left.

The non-compete is the issue right now. Punk wants the option to go WWE, and Tony wants him benched for the duration.

Tony should just let him go back to WWE as the lawsuit over this shit will be costly, and non-competes never really hold up in court. Punk in WWE will not hurt AEW, and WWE shown no serious interest in Punk, so going to court over it is a really stupid waste of money. And Punk is so toxic right now, him going to WWE would be the best thing for Tony.

A lot of hard lessons need to be learnt here. Punk is a toxic piece of shit, we're aware of that. But the lack of maturity shown by The Elite (Hangman speaking out of turn included - I hope that lariat from Mox was a receipt from some of the vets in the locker-room to tell Page to pull his head in) and the culture in general in that company seems to lack professionalism.

Fast-forward 5 or 10 years, if something doesn't change behind the scenes, you'll have a guy like Sammy (who is already a problem child) causing all sorts of issues on a larger scale. Examples need to be made to ensure other's don't follow the examples set here.

The Hangman botch was a common botch many made doing the flippy bump from the clothesline.

As for not showing respect, Punk literally sued his former tag team partner of nearly a decade. The EVPs not showing respect is ironic since Punk should have been the one showing respect to his literal bosses. Hangman also did not need to take Punk's advice. Moreso when he said guys like Stein and Kingston were disgraces to the industry in the past. Punk is not Regal, he is not known actually mentor people.

Great The Elite are his bosses, so act like it. Be professional, don't be spreading rumors that Punk was trying to get Cabana fired. As bosses they absolutely should be held to higher standards than Punk is.

Do EVPs have any real power? I always thought it was mostly theatre? For real I always assumed they were just the annoying brothers who called shotgun first. Like I figured Jericho and Cody put coin down, did the Bucks? From all those HotTopic t-shirts?

Oct 23, 2022 17:24:15 GMT Lony said:

Great The Elite are his bosses, so act like it. Be professional, don't be spreading rumors that Punk was trying to get Cabana fired. As bosses they absolutely should be held to higher standards than Punk is.

The people Punk said the Bucks told this rumor too all deny it.  So weird to hate on the Bucks for something that likely never happened.  The only person who was confirmed to mention the beef between Punk and Colt was Punk at the scrum.  

Oct 23, 2022 4:18:00 GMT NATH45 said:

A lot of hard lessons need to be learnt here. Punk is a toxic piece of shit, we're aware of that. But the lack of maturity shown by The Elite (Hangman speaking out of turn included - I hope that lariat from Mox was a receipt from some of the vets in the locker-room to tell Page to pull his head in) and the culture in general in that company seems to lack professionalism.

Fast-forward 5 or 10 years, if something doesn't change behind the scenes, you'll have a guy like Sammy (who is already a problem child) causing all sorts of issues on a larger scale. Examples need to be made to ensure other's don't follow the examples set here.

"I hope Moxley intentionally gave Page a concussion because CM Punk overreacted to a good promo."

Give your fucking head a shake.

Oct 21, 2022 22:49:17 GMT Blindy said:

Oct 21, 2022 22:18:50 GMT c said:

The AEW locker room is anti-punk now the reports said. HHH seen first hand how Punk is, and also seen how little Punk was actually in AEW due to repeated injuries. I do not think HHH pays top dollar for him.

If HHH does not want Punk, Punk does not come back. Khan is a businessman first and foremost, and it is bad business to bring in someone who management thinks will be a problem. Moreso when the cost is several million dollars.

And rating wise, Punk did not really move the dial. His debut did, but afterwards he was not even a top guy in AEW as DB debuted, then sober Mox and Omega returned.

Nick Khan cut a lot of the HHH guys and gals, he has a say. 

You mean the ones that they've all hired back? 

I'm not saying Khan doesn't have a say.  I'm saying c is right in that Nick Khan is a businessman. He cares about the bottom line. Punk is a proven liability which is one thing right now they do not need after all the Vince shit going down. Maybe it happens, but to say it will be all because of NK is an incorrect statement as is him being above Stephanie in the pecking order.  He is CO-CEO with her.  

Oct 23, 2022 18:25:00 GMT RT said:

Oct 23, 2022 4:18:00 GMT NATH45 said:

A lot of hard lessons need to be learnt here. Punk is a toxic piece of shit, we're aware of that. But the lack of maturity shown by The Elite (Hangman speaking out of turn included - I hope that lariat from Mox was a receipt from some of the vets in the locker-room to tell Page to pull his head in) and the culture in general in that company seems to lack professionalism.

Fast-forward 5 or 10 years, if something doesn't change behind the scenes, you'll have a guy like Sammy (who is already a problem child) causing all sorts of issues on a larger scale. Examples need to be made to ensure other's don't follow the examples set here.

"I hope Moxley intentionally gave Page a concussion because CM Punk overreacted to a good promo."

Give your fucking head a shake.

Sure, you're right - it was an extremist take to wish that on Page.

But it doesn't excuse the fact, Hangman has been a big part of the issue here and while Punk will likely never return and The Elite will likely see some sort of repercussion, Hangman lit the fuse here and is likely getting off scott-free.

These Elite boys are shady.

Oct 23, 2022 20:14:38 GMT iron maiden said:

Oct 21, 2022 22:49:17 GMT Blindy said:

Nick Khan cut a lot of the HHH guys and gals, he has a say. 

You mean the ones that they've all hired back? 

I'm not saying Khan doesn't have a say.  I'm saying c is right in that Nick Khan is a businessman. He cares about the bottom line. Punk is a proven liability which is one thing right now they do not need after all the Vince shit going down. Maybe it happens, but to say it will be all because of NK is an incorrect statement as is him being above Stephanie in the pecking order.  He is CO-CEO with her.  

Nick Khan is handling all of the business ventures of WWE and does more away from WWE too so he's in all likelihood letting Stephanie & HHH run the day to day stuff. Lot of the stockholders and important partners answer to Khan though. 

HHH got to bring a set amount of his people back but not everyone.