CM Punk has been absent from AEW programming since early September, when he was involved in a backstage brawl with The Elite following the All Out PPV event. During the press conference preceding the brawl, he slammed The Elite, Hangman Page, and Colt Cabana.
Following an investigation, AEW suspended everyone involved and fired Ace Steel. In November, The Elite returned. Punk is also out due to an injury that necessitated surgery, as he tore his triceps during the main event of All Out against Jon Moxley.
As PWMania.com previously reported, CM Punk and AEW were in talks about a possible contract buyout, with Punk pushing for it.
Dave Meltzer reported in the latest edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that the CM Punk camp believes AEW President Tony Khan has put Punk on hold for the time being.
“Right now, from the Punk side, the belief is that Tony Khan has put Punk on ice for now, as there are no ideas to use him that have been presented but no talk at all of late to release him either,” Meltzer wrote.
In response to MJF removing his name from the Pro Wrestling Illustrated awards, Punk recently took a shot at AEW over its ratings.
