AEW executive believes CM Punk had problems with trust that led to his unexpected departure and comeback to WWE.

As we look ahead, I can't help but reflect on the past. It's always important to acknowledge where we came from and how we got to where we are now. That's why I want to take a moment to talk about my experience working with CM Punk during his time in AEW. The All Elite Wrestling star and I may not have been friends, but we had a decent working relationship. In fact, I had the privilege of facing him in his hometown of Chicago during a match on Dynamite three years ago.

Looking back on that match, I remember how Punk wanted to play the bad guy in front of his hometown crowd. We didn't have much communication before the match, we just went out there and had a good old-fashioned wrestling match. It was good for business and showed that I had earned the trust of my peers to deliver and work safely in the ring. I believe that coming into AEW, Punk had a lot of trust issues with a lot of people, and I was grateful to have gained his trust.

Unfortunately, Punk's time in AEW came to an end in September of 2023 after a backstage altercation with Jack Perry and our boss, Tony Khan, at Wembley Stadium. He has also raised concerns about the way the company was being run behind the scenes. Despite this, I have no ill will towards Punk. In fact, I felt like I was the right opponent for him at that time. He was finding his feet again in the wrestling world after a long hiatus, and I was honored to be a part of that journey.

I've been watching Punk's matches for over a decade, so I knew what to expect in the ring. It definitely helped that he doesn't change his style much, even after all these years. But ultimately, it was the trust that we had in each other that made the match a success. As a wrestler, it's crucial to have trust in your opponent, especially on live TV. I take pride in being able to work with someone like Punk at such a high level and deliver a great match.

I've had a similar experience recently when our company welcomed The Big Show, now known as Paul Wight, to AEW. There was a lot of backlash about our match at All Out 2021, but I knew it was the perfect fit for both of us. As someone who is disliked by the fans and didn't necessarily need to be kept strong, I was well-placed to face a veteran like Wight. It can be challenging to balance protecting their brand while also doing what's best for the company, but I always strive to do my best.

Now, I find myself in a similar position as I prepare to face A.J. at Full Gear this weekend. We will be facing each other on the preshow, and I believe it's a perfect fit. A.J. may be known as a TikTok sensation, but he also has pro wrestling experience from his younger days. I think people will be pleasantly surprised and excited to see him in the ring again after 20 years. Plus, the fact that it's taking place in New Jersey, where we both grew up, makes it even more special. My 85-year-old grandfather will be in the audience, and it will be his first time seeing me in a one-on-one match on a big stage.

As Vice President of Show and Creative Coordination at AEW, it's my job to do what's best for the entire company, not just for myself. Sometimes that means playing a certain role or facing a particular opponent. But as we continue to grow and evolve, it's important to remember our roots and what brought us to where we are today. We have to go back to basics, while also moving forward and getting people on board with our brand. We want everyone to experience the excitement of a live AEW show and be a part of our journey.

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