All Elite Wrestling’s Missteps: The CM Punk Fiasco and Its Fallout

All Elite Wrestling (AEW) once burst onto the wrestling scene with the promise of being the hip, refreshing alternative to the WWE’s polished production. Yet, recent decisions, particularly the controversial airing of CM Punk footage from the “All In” pay-per-view, have left fans and critics alike scratching their heads, questioning whether AEW is losing its innovative edge.

At the heart of AEW’s current woes is the CM Punk debacle—an unmitigated disaster that goes beyond just a simple misstep. By choosing to air the contentious footage involving Punk, who has since returned to WWE, AEW not only stirred a hornet’s nest of legal and ethical issues but also alienated a significant portion of its fan base. This decision seems even more perplexing considering Punk’s acrimonious exit and his subsequent re-emergence as a main event draw back in WWE. It’s as if AEW is the ex who can’t stop posting throwback pictures with their former flame, hoping they’ll notice.

Let’s talk ratings—a favorite metric for any television venture. Since the Punk saga and other behind-the-scenes drama, AEW’s viewership numbers have been on a noticeable decline. Wrestling fans are a loyal bunch, but they’re not blind to the chaos that seems to increasingly define AEW’s backstage more than its in-ring action. AEW’s allure as the “next big thing” in wrestling is waning, and the numbers don’t lie.

The loss of top-tier talent like CM Punk and Cody Rhodes—who has not only returned to WWE but is thriving as a top card performer—further complicates AEW’s narrative. These were cornerstone figures meant to define AEW as a major league contender. Instead, their departure and subsequent success in WWE serve as a glaring indictment of AEW’s management and creative direction. Rhodes’ renaissance under the WWE banner only adds insult to injury, as AEW fans watch what could have been had the ship been steadier.

Adding to the spectacle, the airing of the CM Punk footage seemed like a desperate attempt to cling to past controversies for viewer engagement. However, the gamble has not paid off. Instead of rekindling interest, it has spawned discontent among viewers who wish to move forward and enjoy innovative wrestling content, not a rehash of previous disputes that most would rather forget.

Critically, this move could not have come at a worse time. AEW needs to solidify its identity and focus on nurturing the talent that remains loyal to its brand. The wrestling world is ripe for innovation, yet AEW seems stuck replaying its greatest hits—and misfires. It’s a classic case of not knowing whether to fish or cut bait.

In conclusion, if AEW wants to regain its footing in the wrestling world, it needs a clear shift in strategy. The focus must return to what made AEW a buzzworthy startup: stellar matches, fresh talent, and storytelling that resonates with the audience, not clinging to the coattails of controversies and departed stars. As it stands, AEW’s current trajectory is more akin to a cautionary tale than the revolutionary force it once promised to be. Let’s hope for a course correction sooner rather than later, for the sake of the talent and the fans who deserve better.