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Tony Khan comments on firing CM Punk before AEW Collision in Chicago goes on the air

Aaron Rift

Just prior to the September 2nd 2023 edition of AEW Collision at Chicago’s United Center, AEW President Tony Khan appeared before fans and was met with boos. A pre-taped video from Khan then aired on television and he said the following about his decision to fire CM Punk…

“I had to make one of the toughest decisions of my professional career. Today I terminated Phil Brooks, CM Punk for cause. This stems from a backstage incident at AEW All In last Sunday. The incident was regrettable, and it endangered people backstage. That includes the production staff, the people who helped put the show on every week, innocent people who had nothing to do with it.

I’ve been going to wrestling shows for over 30 years. I’ve been producing them on this network for nearly four years. Never in all that time have I ever felt until last Sunday that my security, my safety, my life was in danger at a wrestling show. I don’t think anybody should feel that way at work. I don’t think the people I work with should feel that way.

And I had to make a very difficult choice today. It came at the recommendation of a discipline committee here in AEW as well as outside legal counsel who delivered a unanimous recommendation. And I have followed up on that recommendation. I’m sorry to any fans who are upset by this. I’m sorry to anyone who’s upset by this.

Despite that, we’re going to have a great show tonight on Collision. And we’re going to have a great AEW All Out pay per view tomorrow here in Chicago. Last weekend was the greatest weekend in AEW history. This is the greatest week in AEW history. We’re going to continue the great momentum here tonight on Collision and tomorrow night on All Out PPV.”