Tony Khan opened tonight’s episode of AEW Collision with a message regarding the firing of CM Punk, saying that it was done in order to keep future shows safe.
In a pre-recorded message that played prior to the start of Saturday’s AEW Collision, Khan said that he had to make “one of the toughest decisions” in his professional career today in firing CM Punk for cause. Khan referenced the now infamous fight that took place between Punk and Jack Perry backstage at AEW All in last week, and said that it was regrettable and “endangered people backstage.”
Khan went on to say that he’s been attending wrestling shows for 30 years, and producing them for four years now. He said that he had never felt that his security, safety, and life was in danger at a wrestling show until last Sunday. Khan said that he doesn’t think anyone should ever feel that way, and had to make a difficult decision in order to make sure people felt safe.
He went on to note that the move to fire Punk came at the recommendation of a discipline committee at All Elite Wrestling, as well as outside legal council. Prior to tonight’s AEW Collision, Khan also came out to the ramp to explain the move, where he was met with some boos from the Chicago crowd.
