AEW World Champion CM Punk was reportedly close to no-showing Dynamite last time due to backstage frustrations and issues with “Hangman” Adam Page.
Wrestling requires a great deal of trust between performers, even between those who don’t necessarily get along. Case in point is CM Punk and Adam Page, who reportedly did not see eye-to-eye during their program in May.
CM Punk beat Hangman at Double or Nothing on May 29, ending his reign after 197 days. It wasn’t a long feud and didn’t have the chance to grow as Punk got injured soon after becoming champion.
The tension between Punk and Hangman seems to be ongoing as Punk tried to continue their feud on Dynamite. It has now been learned that CM Punk may have been close to no-showing last night’s episode.
How Did the Issue Start?
In their first outing, Hangman and CM Punk disagreed on promo material that was later said on air. It’s believed that Punk was unhappy enough to have met with higher-ups and proclaim he would not lose to Hangman.
CM Punk believed Hangman had gone into business for himself when he alluded to Punk’s past issues with Colt Cabana. His calling out Hangman is seen as a receipt as neither man was present for the other’s comments.
Those close to the situation say CM Punk expresses his displeasure often and has done so before the show. Some even worried that he would quit AEW or stay home altogether.
While these claims are unconfirmed, sources close to the situation have said that threats of such actions were levied. It’s worth noting that Punk’s title match against Jon Moxley next week was a late decision, but it’s unknown if it’s connected to his frustrations.
