Backstage Rumors on Internal Reactions to AEW Possibly Signing CM Punk & Daniel Bryan

– During the Mat Men Podcast, Andrew Zarian reported (via WrestlingInc.com) details of WWE network partners being “shocked” about AEW pulling off a rumored deal with former WWE Superstar CM Punk. Multiple references were made to CM Punk on last night’s Fight for the Fallen edition of AEW Dynamite.

Zarian noted that the executives who were shocked by the news are not pro wrestling fans and possibly don’t understand the inner workings of the industry and why WWE was willing to let a talent like CM Punk go. Also, Zarian reported that internally, WWE officials are not very concerned about Punk signing with another wrestling promotion. While officials are rumored to see Punk as a big signing for AEW, they were not negotiating with Punk for a return, and Punk signing with AEW is not seen as a major blow to the company.

With regards to Daniel Bryan, who is also rumored to have signed with AEW, WWE officials reportedly do see Bryan signing with AEW as a major hit against them. This is because Daniel Bryan is very well liked among both kids and adults. He was also a major presence on the hit WWE reality series, Total Bellas. Plus, Bryan’s wife, Brie Bella, and her sister Nikki Bella, are major parts of WWE PR and media, and they are also significant company ambassadors.

Zarian reportedly stated that WWE officials are upset that the company no longer has Daniel Bryan under their banner. It’s rumored that Vince McMahon is very upset that Bryan signed with AEW, and members of the company’s management team are said to be very angry at other potential new signings. As noted, Daniel Bryan is rumored to be making his AEW debut at the Grand Slam Dynamite show in New York on September 22.

Later after his podcast today, Zarian reported that spoke to a source at a WWE broadcasting partner who stated that they are more concerned about CM Punk and Daniel Bryan going to AEW than WWE is at the moment. The source stated, “WWE is not as concerned about the possible Daniel Bryan and CM Punk signing to AEW as we are…” You can check out that tweet below:

Spoke to someone from one of the networks right after today’s @Matmenpodcast

Here is what this person said:

“WWE is not as concerned about the possible Daniel Bryan and CM Punk signing to AEW as we are…”

— Andrew Zarian (@AndrewZarian) July 29, 2021