CM Punk Was Originally Meant For Collision Announcement, WBD Hoping It’ll Work Out

AEW announced their new series Collision yesterday, and although CM Punk was rumored to be a part of it, he did not appear. It was later reported that Punk’s name was included on an earlier draft of the press release, but Warner Bros. Discovery said the former World champion is ‘not affiliated’ with the show. In the latest Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer confirmed that Punk was intended to be a part of the Collision announcement at the Warner Bros. Discovery upfronts. The plan was for Punk to be at the presentation and he would have been featured in the graphic, as well.

Yesterday, WBD was told to remove Punk from the graphic and press release. The reason why he was removed is unclear at this point, although Meltzer said there was a “situation that happened.” He noted that the story from PWInsider, which said it had to do with a potential return to AEW for Ace Steel, is “pretty close.” That article stated that Steel was, at one point, set to return with Punk behind-the-scenes. However, it was later decided that Steel would not work the Collision tapings, something Punk disagreed with. Punk allegedly ‘demanded’ that Steel return but Tony Khan did not want him back. Punk was reportedly told that Steel could work in AEW, but could not actually be present at the tapings. This led to Punk walking.

Meltzer noted that there were conflicting reports about Steel circulating. There were some who felt Punk “screwed” Khan ahead of the Collision announcement. No one on the AEW side has discussed the matter, but a source with WBD noted that they belief there will be an attempt to work things out. WBD is said to be hopeful that it will work out and it’s not a ‘dead deal’.

The United Center in Chicago is expected to be the host city for the first Collision episode on June 17, but it hasn’t been announced. Khan said on last night’s Dynamite that the venue and location will be announced next week.