CM Punk is reportedly discussing a potential contract buyout with All Elite Wrestling.
According to a new report from Dave Meltzer in the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter (via F4WOnline.com), CM Punk and AEW are in talks to buy out the remaining years of his contract. Meltzer also noted that neither Punk nor AEW “commented on, or denied” the story.
Meltzer went on to explain that one particular hold-up in the talks is a non-compete period as one of the terms. It was noted that the non-compete is obviously related to a potential return to WWE since they are the only company that could pay what he’d ask for.
CM Punk has been absent from AEW programming since All Out due to his role in a post-show melee involving Kenny Omega, the Young Bucks and Ace Steel. It was reported that various suspensions were handed out to those involved, but AEW has not publicly commented on the incident. Punk is also currently recovering from shoulder surgery due to an injury sustained at AEW All Out in September, but there is no timetable for his return.
It was reported that Ace Steel was officially released earlier this week for his role in the brawl.
If CM Punk does agree to a buyout, his All Elite Wrestling tenure would have lasted just over a year. CM Punk made his AEW debut at the “First Dance” episode of Rampage at the United Center in August 2021. He would later make his in-ring debut at All Out 2021 against Darby Allin, and his last match was an AEW Championship win against Jon Moxley.
Related: Report: Ace Steel Released From AEW
