In a surprising turn of events, former AEW World Champion CM Punk has emerged as a pivotal figure in a major change within the promotion. Punk actively decided to eliminate the ranking system in AEW. As the promotion gears up for 2024, speculations about the return of the rankings were rife, but it appears Punk was the one behind their initial removal.
Since AEW’s inception, the company implemented ranking systems to determine top contenders. For the AEW World, Women’s, and Tag Team Championships, aligning with its sports-based presentation. However, by September 2022, AEW actively phased out the rankings, severing their connection to championship contention. Surprisingly, it was not Tony Khan who had the idea to ditch the concept.
According to insights shared on the Bryan and Vinny Show, Bryan Alvarez disclosed a crucial detail. CM Punk was the driving force behind convincing Tony Khan to discard the ranking system. Alvarez stated, “Do you know whose idea it was to get rid of the rankings? I was told it was CM Punk, he talked Tony into getting rid of the rankings.”.
As the rankings system makes a comeback in AEW for 2024, the fans await to see the impact on the immediate on the roster.
Why was CM Punk fired from AEW, and what led to his departure?
CM Punk, who made his return to professional wrestling after seven years, joined AEW in 2021. His tenure in the company, marked by controversies, comprised two years runs. Initially, Punk had a decent start with feuds against MJF and Darby Allin. However, his third feud with Hangman Page took an unexpected turn when Page called him out on TV, catching Punk off guard.
While Punk won the match against Hangman Page at Double or Nothing 2022, he suffered an injury shortly afterward, forcing him to relinquish the title. Two months later, Punk returned and took a massive shot at Hangman in an off-script promo, escalating tensions backstage. The breaking point occurred at AEW All Out when a backstage brawl unfolded involving CM Punk and The Elite (The Young Bucks and Kenny Omega). Punk labeled them irresponsible EVPs, accusing them of spreading negative rumors about him. This led The Elite to confront Punk in his locker room, sparking a brawl. The altercation resulted in the suspension of all wrestlers involved.
Since the incident, Punk and The Elite deliberately avoided sharing the locker room. While The Elite continues to appear on Dynamite, Punk features on AEW Collision. The underlying issues from the brawl remain unresolved.
A year later, Punk faced further backstage trouble, resulting in his termination from AEW in August. This termination followed a confrontation with Jack Perry, who had slammed HOOK onto a car windscreen at AEW All In London. Despite Punk’s caution against using real glass for a segment on Collision, Perry, on camera, said, “real glass, cry me a river.” Punk confronted Perry backstage before his match against Samoa Joe, leading to an altercation. This incident ultimately prompted Punk’s departure from AEW and his subsequent return to WWE.
