Until there's clarity on CM Punk's future with All Elite Wrestling, fans will continue to wonder whether the events following the All Out pay-per-view were a work. Or, if they started as a shoot if Tony Khan and Punk have managed to get on the same page enough to turn it into an angle. The co-owner of AEW has been given every possible opportunity to clarify the situation, and he's steadfastly refused. Meanwhile, Punk has remained chiefly silent—even if those "close to him" haven't, according to some sources. So unless the self-proclaimed Best In The World speaks out or Khan makes a statement, AEW fans are left twisting in the wind.Dave Meltzer was recently asked on Twitter to address the promotion's fans who believe that CM Punk and AEW are working the audience in an attempt to build an angle around his eventual comeback. The longtime wrestling insider responded, "It's definitely not an angle today. Many hope it will become one, but the odds are strong that won't happen." This comment is very much in line with what Meltzer has reported since the alleged events of All Out, even as a particular section of the All Elite audience wants to believe that CM Punk will one day be back.
AEW Has Moved On From CM Punk Even If The Elite Haven't
Khan has done almost everything in his power since September 4 to move on from the events of All Out. Jon Moxley was a great World Champion with Punk on the mend or the outs, and MJF could end up being a saving grace for AEW. He's a fresh champion and has a unique connection to the crowd. In that regard, the federation deserves some credit. They didn't cry over the spilled milk that was Punk's media scrum appearance and tried to move on with the show. The same can't be said of The Elite.
Kenny Omega and The Young Bucks couldn't help themselves during a recent Dynamite event airing live from Chicago—Punk's hometown. Before that show, Omega spoke to Sports Illustrated and encouraged fans to let the events of All Out go. Then, during another trios match against Death Triangle, the faction performed numerous spots and references to Punk. During that fight, Omega bit the bicep of PAC, which was a reference to reports that he'd been bitten during the alleged backstage altercation after All Out. Kenny Omega also performed CM Punk's finisher, the GTS, before tweeting a thank you to KENTA following the show, thanking him for permission to use the move. The match led to reports out of CM Punk's camp, stating that he wasn't happy about how The Elite behaved. That's not directly from Punk, so take it with a grain of salt. As it stands now, Meltzer doesn't believe this is building up to a return to AEW for CM Punk, significant as that'd be for the company.
Source: Dave Meltzer/Twitter