Report: Ace Steel Re-Hired By AEW 'Several Months Ago'

Ace Steel once again finds himself as the centre of attention in All Elite Wrestling. 

CM Punk was reportedly set to be announced as one of the headliners for AEW Collision during the Saturday night show's launch on Wednesday, May 17 but when the announcement was actually made, Punk's name and likeness were nowhere to be seen except in the email sent to media outlets and Warner Bros. Discovery later stated that Punk was not affiliated with AEW Collision. 

Reports soon after indicated that Punk and AEW had a disagreement over the return of Ace Steel, with the promotion having told Punk this week that Steel would not be allowed to work at TV tapings for the company. 

In an update, Haus of Wrestling has reported that Ace Steel was in fact re-hired by All Elite Wrestling "several months ago" and he has been working with Tony Khan on creative, but it was made clear that his presence at AEW TV tapings would upset some of the talent. Steel has been working remotely for the past few months as a result but there was reportedly an understanding that Steel would return to the road as a backstage agent once Collision debuts.

On Tuesday, May 16, though, AEW decided that Steel would not be returning to the road. After Punk found out "there was some miscommunication between lawyers and, subsequently, Punk was pulled from the Collision announcement."

It was indicated on May 18 that Warner Bros. Discovery were hopeful of a resolution and the situation looks to be moving in that direction. Haus of Wrestling stated that it appears Punk is motivated and wants to help AEW grow in any way he can. The 44-year-old's relationship with Tony Khan is also believed to be on "sound footing" and communication lines remain open between them. 

Ace Steel initially joined AEW in early 2022 after his WWE departure but he was fired by the promotion after his involvement in the backstage fight with CM Punk and The Elite. Steel allegedly bit Kenny Omega, and bite marks could be seen on the former AEW World Champion's arm following the fight, and he also allegedly threw a chair that hit Nick Jackson.