Report: WWE Backstage Reaction To CM Punk's AEW Firing Revealed

CM Punk's firing was a hot topic within WWE. 

Punk was fired with cause by All Elite Wrestling on Saturday, September 2 following an investigation into Punk's backstage altercation with Jack Perry at All In. Tony Khan announced that AEW's disciplinary committee and outside legal counsel had recommended he fire Punk and Khan noted Punk's actions meant he feared for his own life at All In. 

According to Mike Johnson of PWInsider, Punk's firing was being discussed backstage in WWE within minutes of Tony Khan's announcement, especially among top talents. Some talents were "adamantly against the idea" of WWE potentially bringing in Punk and they didn't believe it could happen. Others, meanwhile, view a potential Punk return as a "chance to make big money." One top-tier star was also all for Punk coming back to WWE, although they would have no influence over any possible deal for Punk. 

If WWE are interested in signing Punk is unknown but rumours have signalled Triple H and Vince McMahon are open to making a deal with the former WWE Champion. The final call would reportedly be made by Endeavor once the WWE-UFC merger is completed and Endeavor have had positive dealings with Punk stemming from his time as part of UFC. 

CM Punk previously performed for WWE from 2006 until his unceremonious departure in 2014. Punk then spent seven years away from professional wrestling outside of a brief stint on FOX's WWE Backstage show until he debuted in AEW in August 2021.