In recent days, the wrestling world has been abuzz with the ongoing backstage drama surrounding AEW’s resident star, CM Punk. The situation has escalated to a point where it’s overshadowing the much-anticipated AEW: All In London event scheduled for less than two weeks from now. With AEW billing this event as “The Biggest Event in Wrestling History,” it’s concerning that the focus has shifted from building excitement for the PPV to addressing controversies within the company.
The recent drama revolves around CM Punk, who seems to be wielding an unprecedented amount of power backstage. His post-Collision promo targeting Hangman Page initiated a chain reaction of stories involving other wrestlers like Ryan Nemeth and Matt Hardy being allegedly sent home from Collision tapings. The growing perception is that Punk’s return to AEW has brought about a shift in the balance of power, with Tony Khan seemingly bending over backward to accommodate him.
This situation raises questions about Tony Khan’s leadership and management abilities. It’s eerily reminiscent of the CM Punk drama that plagued AEW last year, leading to a stagnation in momentum. It appears that Khan hasn’t learned from the past, as he’s once again facing a scenario where backstage controversies are taking center stage instead of the actual wrestling product.
Khan’s response to the situation, expressing satisfaction that people are talking about AEW, only adds to the perception that he might believe controversy is beneficial for the company. This stance echoes his response during last year’s drama, which indicates a potential lack of control over the situation and a failure to learn from prior mistakes.
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As we look ahead to tonight’s episode of Dynamite, one wonders if any of this backstage tension will spill over into the on-screen product. Kenny Omega is set to address his All In and All Out plans in a sit-down interview with Jim Ross, but the pre-taped nature of this interview might limit the potential for any immediate responses to Punk’s actions.
Meanwhile, the Young Bucks are scheduled for a tag team match against The Gunns. With a history of working with Punk, it’s possible that Matt and Nick Jackson might incorporate subtle references to the backstage drama into their performance. On the other hand, Hangman Page’s involvement remains uncertain, as creative has yet to assign him a prominent role for the evening.
As for the rest of the lineup, AEW International Champion Orange Cassidy is set to defend his title against Wheeler Yuta. However, it seems likely that Jon Moxley will ultimately pose the most significant challenge to Cassidy’s championship reign.
The show will also feature a Texas Chain Saw Massacre Deathmatch between Jeff Hardy and Jeff Jarrett, likely a spectacle with its fair share of absurdity. Additionally, Chris Jericho’s decision about joining Don Callis’ family will finally be addressed, promising a pivotal moment in their ongoing storyline.
Britt Baker vs. The Bunny is another highlight, with the winner earning a spot in the AEW women’s world championship match at All In. The women’s division continues to evolve, and this match holds the promise of further shaping the title picture.
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As AEW moves forward, it’s clear that the CM Punk saga isn’t just backstage gossip; it’s beginning to have a tangible impact on the company’s product and direction. With AEW: All In London on the horizon, fans and critics alike will be closely watching to see how the company navigates these challenges and delivers on its promise of a historic event.
