Report: Backstage Reaction To CM Punk's AEW Collision Promo

All Elite Wrestling talent have been reacting behind the scenes to CM Punk's return promo on the debut episode of AEW Collision on Saturday, June 17.

Punk opened the debut episode at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois and the 44-year-old repeatedly told those watching around the world to tell him when he's telling lies, noting that he will continue to carry the AEW World Title he never lost in a bag until someone beats him. Punk also caused a stir when he claimed that Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav calls him "one bill Phil" because he is the one true genuine article in a business filled with "counterfeit bucks." Punk addressed those who think he should apologise for his actions from 2022 too, saying he was sorry "because the only people softer than you are the wrestlers you like." 

Reports have since indicated that Punk's "one bill Phil" and "counterfeit bucks" line was approved by AEW management. 

In a further update from Fightful Select, people on both sides of the divide within AEW viewed Punk's promo as just him "getting out what he needed to get out." Others, however, felt Punk's "soft" comments were hypocritical due to his complaints about the programme with Hangman Page, in particular the promos in the build-up and spots in their match. 

The Young Bucks commented shortly after Punk's "counterfeit bucks" line on Collision, changing their Twitter bio to, "If it were 2018, we'd already have a 'Counterfeit Bucks' shirt available on PWT. -- Kill it y'all!" 

Fightful noted that people who had spoken to the Bucks since AEW Collision were told they took Punk's comments light-heartedly and told those who asked that "things were okay." 

People backstage did take note of CM Punk removing the AEW mic flag before he started his promo as it was something he had done in the past when he was under contract with WWE. 

Alongside his promo on AEW Collision, CM Punk had his return match in the main event, teaming with FTR to take on Samoa Joe, Jay White, and Juice Robinson. Punk scored the win, hitting Robinson with a Go To Sleep following a Shatter Machine from FTR. Punk was checked out by AEW's medical team following the match as a precaution and was said to be fine. 

The Second City Saint is reportedly planned for Wednesday night's episode of Dynamite at the Wintrust Arena, also in Chicago. The Young Bucks and Kenny Omega are considered unlikely to be at the show in person and they have already filmed pre-tapes to advance their angles ahead of Forbidden Door.