AEW terminates contract of controversial wrestling star

Punk has found himself embroiled in multiple controversies since joining the AEW roster. In fact, the veteran star has only recently returned to AEW programming following a 12-month absence due to a backstage brawl at All Out in 2022. Since his return, Punk has remained on Collision, but even that hasn't stopped him from rocking the boat.

For the second straight pay-per-view he's been involved in, Punk has found a way to make the conversation about him. Yes, Jack Perry antagonized the situation live on air, with his comments about using real glass. However, as a professional, Punk could have dealt with the situation in a hundred different ways.

Instead, CM Punk did what CM Punk does: create drama and controversy that shines AEW in a negative light. The company just set a world record for attendance at a wrestling event, yet Punk was the center of attention.

One segment of the press release tells you everything you need to know.

"Phil played an important role within AEW and I thank him for his contributions," the release read, "... Of course, I wish I didn't have to share this news, which may come as a disappointment to many of our fans. Nevertheless, I am making the decision in the best interests of the many amazing people who make AEW possible every week." 

The majority of locker room issues have Punk somewhere at their core. AEW had to make the move to terminate the star's contract, irrespective of the audience he draws and the merchandise he sells. Otherwise, making a play to keep MJF and acquire Will Ospreay in 2024 would have been that little bit harder because why would any star want to join a locker room that CM Punk rules with no repercussions from within the company. 

CM Punk's exit is a sad day for AEW, but it's also the day where the locker room can unite and continue to push forward.