Report: AEW In 'Damage Control' Mode Over CM Punk's Comments About Hangman Page In ESPN Interview

While the interview hasn't even aired yet, CM Punk's chat with ESPN has been the talk of the wrestling world as the two-time AEW World Champion promotes his upcoming return on the debut episode of Collision on June 17.

Reports about the interview have indicated that Punk spoke in a manner that "would blur the lines and create buzz for upcoming shows" as it wouldn't be clear if Punk was working or shooting. Punk was reportedly more emphatic about his opinion of Hangman Page, however, and Punk is believed to have stated that he doesn't like The Elite member. Punk also reportedly suggests in the interview that he felt like Page was "shooting" on him during their Double or Nothing 2022 match by chopping him in the face. 

Second-hand recountings of the interview caused a stir within the AEW locker room at the June 14 taping of AEW Dynamite and Dave Meltzer has reported in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that AEW were attempting damage control at the time of publication, although much of the talent are aware of what Punk actually said. AEW are reportedly hoping Punk's comments about Page won't air or be featured in an ESPN article covering the interview. 

AEW are in damage control mode primarily because the promotion are trying to sign Page to a new long-term deal. Hangman has arguably been the promotion's biggest babyface since 2019 and he is a former AEW World Champion. 

Meltzer also noted that while the Young Bucks, Kenny Omega, Ace Steel, and CM Punk have signed legal documents to ensure they don't talk about each other, Hangman is not on the list of topics that Punk is banned from discussing.