We've learned more about AEW Dynamite, the CM Punk/Elite situation, and more.
It comes as no surprise based on the content that unfolded on AEW Dynamite, but there were no explicit mentions of the situation or the parties involved in the Brawl Out 2022 situation permitted. This went for commentary, in promos, on social media or elsewhere.
In the days that have followed the recalling of the stories, those that have been in touch with CM Punk and Ace Steel have softened on the stance that the Young Bucks definitely kicked down the door. Instead, they've followed up with the idea that they could have kicked, shouldered or otherwise forced their way in. They said that "kicking the door down" was clearly a turn of phrase in that sense and should have clarified. The reason given was that Punk didn't feel like talking to anyone as he was either getting medical attention or had just been given it to take care of his cut. The side has also varied on what they've said caused Ace Steel to begin biting and throwing chairs, going from his wife being near, to him believing Kenny Omega was attacking CM Punk when he was trying to pull Punk off of one of the Young Bucks.
We have to reiterate, the accounts of the fight are wildly different from each side, and even different versions of each side, and shouldn't be taken as gospel. These are just what have been relayed to people close to them.
So far, talent haven't been told explicitly what is to become of CM Punk, but most of them we spoke with are under the impression that it's all pending an investigation. We spoke with numerous people on the staff and roster, who said that unless Punk's suspension is unpaid or he's fired, it's superficial considering he'll be out of action well into next year. As of Wednesday, much of the heat we're hearing on Punk was just as much about his scrum rant than anything. Punk had long been rubbing the locker room the wrong way, but one source said that blaming him for all of the locker room issues of late simply was not fair, as they had reached an all-time high when Punk was gone.
When we spoke to the AEW roster Wednesday, many indicated that after the show there was a much more positive vibe, with one saying it couldn't have been worse than the chaos of the previous days. That same source said that the situation was "out of sight, out of mind" for plenty of the roster who just wanted to show up and work. Another talent said the best way for all parties to make up the public embarrassment would be to get over the issues, make money for the company and highlight other talent along the way.
We're told that as of Tuesday, much of the roster didn't know what they were going to be allowed to say or if they could address it, and some of their content had to be adjusted accordingly. On Sunday, Fightful had reported that a top talent was set to take some time off, which Jon Moxley confirmed to be him. AEW sources had indicated that they'd planned on him being back by the Cincinnati show in October at least, but he ended up staying to help conduct a talent meeting, add star power to the show, and participate in the title tournament.
Kenny Omega, Christopher Daniels and Michael Nakazawa were all slated to be in Japan for Tokyo Game Show in relation to the AEW Fight Forever game. We haven't heard of them being pulled from that as of yet.
We've also heard the same as reported by Wrestling Observer that AEW Chief Legal Officer Megha Parekh was around for the situation as it unfolded.
cause I don’t think his words were “come talk to me RIGHT NOW!” And I also don’t think many folks thought they literally kicked it down, more so forced their way in.
. I love them but they are fucking nerds
