The Cathartic Rise & Chaotic Fall of CM Punk in AEW

[@JohnWilliams-wl9px]

All the backstage drama that happened during Punk time in AEW pretty much shown wrestling hasn’t truly change from the ‘good old days’

[@johansmallberries9874]

That’s what’s funny, isn’t this kinda the impossible happening? The return of kayfabe, by using the dirt sheets and internet whispers and shoots(the things that killed kayfabe) to bring it back to life.

[@UnwaryThunder9]

At least in the good old days, wrestlers actually put their differences aside to make the promotion some money. Nowadays, everyone thinks they’re Stone Cold Steve Austin.

[@JohnWilliams-wl9px]

@@UnwaryThunder9 and people back in the good old days would leave the territory if they had real bad beef with someone

[@ShinSuperSaiyajin]

@@JohnWilliams-wl9pxthis!

[@clifforddavidson7273]

@@UnwaryThunder9 Imagine this happening under Bill Watts. 3 things would have happen. One he would have beat the crap out off everyone involved. Two they would have been fined, and 3 they would have either been made to get along to make big money or everyone would have been shipped out.

[@JimmyMidnite]

I LOVE a video like this that doesn’t point the finger at one individual in a grand brouhaha that has more than enough blame to go around. While the wrestling Twittersphere has largely drawn hard lines in the sand, no individual came out of this looking squeaky clean. Just about everyone acted infantile, petty, weak-kneed, or all of the above.

[@dessertstorm7476]

i also LOVE fence-sitting

[@summitsummits]

@@dessertstorm7476not jumping to one side or the other is not fence sitting. The world isn’t so black & white.

[@pratikroy227]

@@summitsummits Exactly since we weren't there as fans we didn't witness anything don't have any hard evidence to point finger at anyone all we can do is try to be as objective as we can and that means not taking sides. It takes two hands to clap so blaming one person is not reasonable unless it's hard proven as fact.

[@dreamshakejunya]

@@dessertstorm7476you kind of have to sit on the fence. Punk was antagonized incessantly and then reacted unprofessionally on multiple occasions. Everyone was kind of a dick. Now Tony has none of them. This might even be what he needs to get the train back on track

[@dizzygunner]

​@@dessertstorm7476being able to see all sides of an argument is not fence sitting. Arguing one side completely while ignoring what the side that you're on done is deluded.

[@Razdotgg]

As someone who was on the LA show that Punk broke his leg on, I'm just so weirded out I got to witness the biggest butterfly effect of the wrestling world. Regardless of how you think of wrestling this year, it has been a crazy crazy year lmao.

[@Youngcash-n2d]

I hope he doesn’t break his leg in wwe house show

[@Jfrost9101]

@@Youngcash-n2d Well, not a house show, and not his leg, but uhhh... first match back and already has a torn tricep sounds pretty ropey to me lol

[@jansmitowiczauthor78]

​@@Jfrost9101Couldn't have happened to a nice guy ;)

[@mj-gb6tr]

Sorry but surely the biggest butterfly effect in wrestling was Montreal. Directly led to Owen's death, Davey's injury and subsequent painkiller addiction, Bret's concussion and later stroke. Not to mention the rise of Mr McMahon, etc.

[@messykid1234]

@@jansmitowiczauthor78 you’re a clown

[@TG_2112]

Incredibly well balanced and well thought-out video, Brian. It was wild going through all the twists and turns of this story again. Keep up the great work, bro!

[@12345Yeah]

Lmao

[@CheknoEternity]

@@12345Yeahyou can leave

[@bdo333]

Hasn't felt the same since brawlout

[@Mr.Majestic77]

Better than Jim Cornette and Brian Last episodes going on their determination the re-create a WWE monopoly.

[@12345Yeah]

@@CheknoEternity you can cry

[@kevinhenry4047]

Punk getting injured in the summer during his first world title reign will always be one of the bigger what ifs in AEW I Believe.

[@mrawesome669]

It really is, if he hadn't been stewing at home for those months with the injury, he could potentially of either worked it out with Hangman or just moved on with being involved in other feuds to distract him. Even bringing in the Interim title it seems kind of pissed off Moxley, also opening another point of contention in the locker room. So many what ifs purely because he jumped into the crowd and hurt himself. All

[@michaelrivera8360]

I think personally he never should been world champ.But in way if MJF beat Punk that could been good

[@Hypno_BPM]

i hate that we’ll never get to see Max vs Punk. it had the potential to be a classic feud for the ages !

[@JohnWilliams-wl9px]

@@michaelrivera8360 Punk was reportedly the same way but Tony pushed for it anyway. Probably another what if, maybe the backstage feud would have taken longer to get toxic

[@marcelthorsen]

@@mrawesome669That’s a really good point. Thank you for sharing it.

[@ronarnold1507]

I like how every speech that Tony Khan gives, he looks like he's a hostage delivering the demands of his kidnappers.

[@Keepinspirin]

😂😂😂😂😂 good point 😂😂😂

[@DevilSurvivor69]

" I feared for my life because the dog across the street barked at me!"

[@robrob9250]

I like Khan and think he gets a bad rap but that was funny

[@kenterminateddq5311]

IMO, Z-Man, the "CM Punk in AEW" retrospecive is the best and most anticipated Wrestling WIth Wregret episode of 2023. It has drama, an honest intro, unique (arguably corny) humor and multiple sidebars.

[@kenterminateddq5311]

I meant, retrospective.

[@dr.snakes]

​@@kenterminateddq5311Retrospectacle

[@12345Yeah]

Hard to take Brian seriously here when he wasn't even watching punk in AEW.

[@kenterminateddq5311]

Zane did say that he's a fan of Punk. Besides, Zane had to watch all CM Punk's appearances on AEW to make this video. @@12345Yeah

[@12345Yeah]

@@kenterminateddq5311 it's not the same as watching it. Looking at clips is different. Plus he's an elite fanboy

[@jarrodhook]

1k comments- Brian I hope you see this, but the slow zoom in at 24:04 actually made me PHYSICALLY Lean in closer too. Brilliant. 10/10 thanks for another year of greatness.

[@Joemm-gk7vc]

My only issue is that you didn't name Meltzer. He has as much to do with the drama as anyone.

[@joeyskywalker1322]

It was the media in general

[@howardsimcox5596]

No, this drama is entirely because the elite dont see themselves as employees in TKs company, they see him as an investor in their company

[@sbj97]

I never seen so many people get so triggered over a fucking news reporter

[@titusm.w5414]

@@howardsimcox5596 Damnn.. never saw it that way.. Makes sense

[@burntvirtue]

​@@joeyskywalker1322No. Meltzer played a much larger, and more direct part than the general media.

[@frankgurrierijr2968]

You said it all and then some Z. Great coverage. I'm happy to be a part of the Patreon group.

[@zyshawnmoore551]

I don’t blame Brian at all from suffering CM punk fatigue. This has been talked about ad nauseam from all the toxic backstage stuff at AEW, now every day about his future plans, and WWE. As intrigued as I am to CM Punk back in WWE and see how it goes, it is tiring to hear this man be talked about every day

[@JoeChillton]

it has become as tired as fandoms like DC or Marvel or Star Wars at this point.

[@PedroBenolielBonito]

Now imagine trying to tell people how good the Damage CTRL storyline is at the moment, or about the force of nature that is Timeless Toni Storm, and all your IRL Wrestlebuddies want to talk about is CM Punk.

[@DaFro3713]

@@PedroBenolielBonitothe Damage CTRL storyline is lowkey friggin stellar

[@jimbalcombe4038]

​@@PedroBenolielBonitotpo much pal ruling the iwc airwaves😢😢😢

[@12345Yeah]

He admitted he didn't watch punk in AEW. Make a video about it for views though

[@LantisSRK]

Well here we are, 9 months later....still no reports on Punk starting any commotions backstage in WWE

[@warshallwathers7971]

Yup literally came back here to say this too! 😆

[@Mr_Leo_DS]

He stayed at home for half that time

[@velayne5447]

Either way, CM & Drew were able to do what was necessary, aka "Best For Business", & put their differences aside & put together the best rivalry of the year easily

[@Vexiltus]

Cm punk literally has, basically a "be nice" clause in his contract lol

[@wildercerrate7295]

Does the flip flopping from main event to midcard at bad blood count? Big dog Roman didn’t like his spot being taken lol

[@bonafide9781]

Out of all this, I really want AEW to thrive again. The last thing I want is for history to repeat itself and WWE to regain a virtual monopoly.

[@TimeLord675]

Which is probably what's gonna happen. And like last time, if it does, I'm out.

[@pjizy3]

The quicker people learn that literally all wrestling companies have ups and down times the better

[@evdomos]

Same. I started watching with Elimination Chamber and the year's been so exciting. We needed that competition to keep it that way.

[@mrwarped]

@@TimeLord675 nah just because punk came back doesn't mean aew is dead

[@jakedaniels6015]

For AEW to "THRIVE" Kenny Omega, Nick and Matt Jackson and Adam Paige needed to be fired.

[@Autobot_Megatron]

The best in depth video explaining CM Punk's time in AEW...and arguably the single biggest devastating punch to the gut AEW has suffered to date. This video is fantastic.

[@TylerHBHamilton]

As a CM Punk fan, I agree with everything you said. Also, as we all know, when it comes time to shovel the blame in regards to how everything went down, EVERYONE needs to own their pile. Not just Punk. Not just The Elite. Not just Tony Khan. EVERYONE. No one is innocent. The only people who are innocent in this drama are Bryan Danielson (who was just doing his job) and Punk’s dog.

[@vciotoli2126]

The entire AEW summer of 2022 deserves its own video

[@stanbrouillard2292]

That’s really when the wheels fell off for me personally when it comes to AEW.

[@btmm139]

Wildest part of all the backstage drama is how everyone involved are adults, most of them in the late 30s or above, yet only made everything worse by refusing to act with maturity and professionalism

[@adamlennard1828]

Thank you. While I’m not calling Punk blameless to me we saw the type of person Omega is when he had a meltdown over JR saying he might only be the second best wrestler alive to Randy Orton. Imagine that the greatest wrestling announcer of all time saying You’re only the second best in the world? Seriously the meltdown he and his fans had was ridiculous.

[@mattm7798]

I loved the line from Brian saying the elite are allergic to money...makes me realize some wrestlers just aren't meant for national companies.

[@CulEdz]

@@adamlennard1828Omega is too chilled to have any problems. This is all on Page and The Young Bucks. Kenny can be petty in childish ways, but he was the only one who actually was open for a conversation.

[@andersfrieden567]

​@@CulEdzPage after the initial promo hasn't done one wrong thing. And even then I agree with Brian, most fans just didn't get the context and moved on. I get why Punk was mad, but oh boy, his reaction was way out of proportion.

[@jthom0027]

@@andersfrieden567 I think you and Brian are missing the fact that Punk wasn't just responding to what Page said on the mic, he was also responding to what that promo did to the locker room along with all the other stuff the Bucks and Page had said to slander Punk.

[@LokiTricksterG]

I was trying to explain the whole CM Punk story to my mom who knows nothing about wrestling and it's way harder than you'd think. Me: There was a backstage fight involving a bunch of guys and a dog, and one of the guys got bit. Mom: He got bit by the dog? Me: No, he got bit by another man.

[@pendafen7405]

Your mother is trying her best, here. Or doing a very tactful bang-up job of pretending to listen and care.

[@brandelynnefreleng7597]

A reasonable interpretation 😂

[@richborn6700]

I will NEVER stop asking why Larry the dog was there at an arena with thousands of people and pyro, instead of at home with AJ? Punk is poor pet owner for that. Did he have so few friends left backstage he needed mans literal best friend in his locker room? If I were Ace Steele and his wife I wouldn't want to spend a PPV backstage taking care of someone elses dog.

[@Alexpsu96]

I like this tho good job 🎉

[@Romchikthelemon]

You can find way more useful topics for a conversation.

[@jackryan8736]

Honestly, I put off watching this clip until the day I'm writing this - mostly because I've never been a Punk fan myself, but if you are then I'll respect that, you can like who you like within reason as far as I'm concerned and I won't try to dissuade you - but honestly I completely get your frustration and fatigue over the matter. Me and my brother are the same, and I can only imagine how stressful and difficult making this clip was for you, but I respect the fact you did as a content creator and neutral party, and I also respect that you also stood up for Bryan Danielson in this clip as well at the end as well. Keep up the great work. 🙂

[@George-kz5hb]

I really appreciate the strong, full-throated defense you made of Danielson. In all of this, he is the one person who has been maligned and who I would say was squeaky clean in his actions. Even if it was a stark minority of fans who ridiculed him, I appreciate you not standing for it.

[@turboturkey]

agreed he is a good dude, and i am sure punk doesn't hold ill will towards him. at least i hope not.

[@mitchellima7548]

Yeah Bryan is acting as an actual adult who handle the situation perfectly. He’s the one acting as an evp and making the hard, fair, and responsible decision. Wild anyone has any issues with him.

[@tobygreen4257]

No one wants to see their favorite wrestler become HR. Danielson is Tony’s stooge.

[@raspymorten]

@@mitchellima7548 Some folks didn't want anyone to act like an adult, they just wanted their favorite to get away scot free with anything.

[@George-kz5hb]

@@tobygreen4257 Being mature =\= being a stooge.

[@SLJR16]

I’m in the same camp of being tired of Punk/Elite drama. It’s so disappointing how everything played out. I hope Tony Khan learns from this mess and doesn’t have any other major issues like this. Thank you for the balanced take too. There are too many people that want to blame Punk or The Elite for everything, but fail to realize there is plenty of blame for everyone involved, including Tony Khan.

[@Daniel-jz9oi]

Pretty much most of the issues he had before about WWE have changed under HHH. Wrestlers are getting time off to be with their families and moral seems to be higher than ever.

[@manband20]

Trips turning from "guy who booked himself into the main event picture because he married the boss' daughter" to "guy who actually cares about the next generation of wrestling and is trying to reform the decades of bullshit brought forth by his egomaniacal father-in-law that nearly sunk the entire company harder than the Titanic" has been quite the sight to see. Gotta give him props for seeing the problem and actively fixing it once Vince was out of the picture.

[@mitchellima7548]

@@manband20hhh evolution has been great, I do think he often got shit on earlier(pre nxt) because unfairly assumed he was just Vince 2.0. Often the criticism lays at the company and vice we’re layed on him as well even tho they probably shouldn’t have been. Just my view. Either way it’s wild how har he’s come in the eyes of many.

[@SometimesCompitent]

Which is why there's no one to blame but himself if he starts getting into fights again. I hope I'm wrong but this dude has shown us he true self over and over.

[@levisamom5069]

@@mitchellima7548 I think the judgement on trips pre nxt was unfair but justified... I mean he married the daughter of the boss to put himself at the top... that's gotta mean something... but with all that considered I am very happy to have been proven wrong by the way he's handling wwe now

[@kingsports1113]

Facts n he debut last night n msg vs dirty dom

[@l0usdad993]

You should post an updated version of this, since we’ve seen the horrific fight

[@simonu2044]

Certainly one of the fights of all time

[@megamike15]

whats theere to sayy? it was nothing and makes aew look like wcw in the 2000's.

[@l0usdad993]

@@megamike15 Worse. People still watched WCW in 2000

[@slingshot3615]

@@l0usdad993WCW 2000 was way more popular than AEW has ever been.

[@l0usdad993]

@@slingshot3615 These are facts. It’s not even close

[@blacknegan4462]

30:40 uhhhh about that Brian…

[@topcatmatt]

Oh he was playing this fence sitting impartial but it's a lot clearer now, huh

[@JoeChillton]

​@@topcatmattshut up mark

[@rubberchix]

​@@JoeChilltonvirgin

[@jordancarter8029]

I really want to thank you. There is no better way to explain this whole CM Punk thing. You spoke truthfully yet with a sense of neutrality and respect to all sides involved. Good on you sir.

[@johansmallberries9874]

If you think you’re frustrated, imagine being Tony Kahn’s financial advisors.

[@RichieAppel]

W3 should have waited a few more months before doing this video. Now we have Punk’s account of the events on The MMA Hour and the footage proving Punk’s side of the story.

[@HandsomeSassage]

Brawl Out taking place about a month after Triple H was put in creative control of the main roster was the perfect cocktail that swung momentum from AEW to WWE

[@mattm7798]

It would not at all surprise me if a handshake agreement was made prior to all out, and so Punk was like "F it, this place is run by children and I've got an offer waiting for me".

[@redzero1649]

The children banning people to go to their place of work. Yes. It was definitely run by children.@@mattm7798

[@decepticonxhunter4850]

AEW never had the momentum. The prevailing narrative on the internet was on AEW's side. They're not the same thing. WWE had nothing to prove to AEW.

[@kenrickkahn]

​@@decepticonxhunter4850👈 Found the WWE Mark..

[@johnnysupreme5718]

@@decepticonxhunter4850 While I think anyone who believes AEW could ever "Beat" the WWE is delusional, they were totally on an upwards trajectory as an alternative. If Vince was still in charge of the WWE creative and Tony... Wasn't in charge of AEW creative (assuming whoever would replace him was better), AEW could have maintained the fresh image they had for much longer. Hunter taking over the creative combined with AEW's terrible booking and drama is why they're on a decline right now.

[@FDT222]

This is a very objective view on Punk’s time in AEW. No matter how you feel about either WWE or AEW his presence raised the bar of both companies and a lot of men and women made money because of it. Tony unfortunately learned the lesson of “never meet your hero’s” because he let the inmates run the asylum for entirely too long in an attempt to be “one of the boys”. I certainly hope AEW can bounce back because a solid number two is “good for business” but the they’re going to feel Punk’s loss for quite awhile.

[@MrKGHunter]

That may be true, I feel like people are giving this Punk back in Dubya honeymoon period way too much credit. There is no way in hell that dude is gonna make it three years without an injury, or incident. Forget the backstage drama, I think the dude is physically fragile. I feel like things are gonna be completely different in a year’s time.

[@mrwarped]

@@MrKGHunter Yes, this! Yes, Punk is hot. Yes, he CAN be a draw. But, once the "new toy" feeling wears off a few months from now, is he going to continue being the good guy or is he going to go back to whining when he doesn't get his way?

[@user-yv4mm6bx3c]

That is likely. Hogan jumping to WCW certainly hurt WWF for some time.

[@jackburton2680]

Agree about the injuries Let's not forget the majority of the time he was suspended after the locker room idiocy he was injured/recovering anyways. Even if Tony Khan had the slightest ability to effectively manage people and there were non ackstage incidents, punk still woulda had lengthy periods away from the company. His current wwe run surely will be plagued by injuries as well and it makes it hard to get excited about him being back

[@geilor]

@@MrKGHunter You do remember his last run in WWE held 8 years, right?! He then quit, because he was sick of politics and because of injuries. Why do people tend to forget this?! Mostly, when everyone applauded him after the podcast in 2014.

[@MrGeneration83]

The first part rang so true to me. I liked Punk in AEW, but in the end the drama was killing it for me.

[@crafciak31]

If they knew what they were doing... One's loss is another person's gain

[@GrimBiggyBenny]

34:10 "Sin Cara would have been booked as a stud" has me rolling XD

[@MetalMadness_00]

Which one mistico or hunico

[@itsjustjoniel]

​@@MetalMadness_00both of them had backstage problems

[@gabepollock1641]

I have been looking forward to this video since Brawl Out. CM Punk, for better or worse, has always been a constant of my fandom. Brian is right: in wrestling, ten years does feel like 2500. And some ten years after he first introduced me to so much of what I’ve learned and grown to love about wrestling, I felt like a kid again when he came back to wrestling. I know people love him or hate him, and on some days I feel both with intensity, but CM Punk genuinely is a pillar that formed my passion for this business.

[@ccarriages]

As with most situations people argue about infinitely on the Internet, it's never one or the other party at fault 100%. It's a combination of both. This video illustrates that very well!

[@redwolfe7049]

That's all it really comes down to. I hate the Elite. Never been a fan but the fault lies with everyone involved including TK.

[@howardsimcox5596]

Punk was in the wrong, no doubt, but I feel like the elite were trying to push his buttons from day one. They didn't like this massive star waltzing into 'their' company and getting pops the size of which they never even dreamed of getting, outselling them 5 - 1 on t-shirts and increasing viewing figures/attendence just because he was rumoured to be turning up. Green eyed monster. I wonder if they will see edge as a similar threat

[@guillermosierracuellar9812]

This was faster than the Cody video

[@mattm7798]

I love Cody right now, but this babyface run will run out of steam and I really hope he is open to going heel, like he should of in AEW, since I think he'll make a great one if he plays it right.

[@ethanmx2]

The big takeaway I've seen from all this is that Tony Khan takes after his father WAY too well... seriously, look at how Shad Khan runs the Jaguars and you'll see a LOT of parallels with hands-off ownership, allowing issues to fester, and waiting to deal with them until the last possible moment. This is a definite case of, "Like Father, Like Son;" and if that's the case, the Jags are moving to London sooner rather than later.

[@pendafen7405]

I can promise and assure you there is zero market for American football over here. And besides, we have our hands and our spaces full with our own sports.

[@grantkerr8298]

If you're going to use American Football as an indicator of inept business practices... didn't Vince Mac try and fail to run and entire Football promotion? Dunno how inept Kahn Snr is as a sports owner (his very own Fulham FC are doing very well in London, currently, and he's one of the more popular American owners in English "soccer") but he's not a billionaire by accident and his son would have to go some way to be compared to him.

[@pendafen7405]

@@grantkerr8298 creased at 'he's one of the more popular American owners in English "soccer"'🤣that's a sliding curve, mate, no-one likes an American owner (or foreign, really) of a football club, unless it happens to be your own hometown club and said owner has mega wedge. If not, jog on.

[@randallmay5895]

@@grantkerr8298 The XFL this second time around was doing pretty well. What killed it was COVID. He fixed a lot of the problems from the original version and actually had a pretty decent product that produced decent games. He liquidated a ton of WWE stock to get up and running and keep it going for five years, but no one predicted a pandemic would shut down everything.

[@SonCarlosH]

April 11th 2024 UPDATE! Tony Khan didn't learn his lesson 🤡

[@TheEvolver311]

Or he just sides with the Brown Nosers I mean Bucks

[@Syfcobra8549]

JUNE 3 2024 UPDATE The Elite with Okada is one of the best things in AEW while Punk is still recovering an injury...AGAIN 🤡

[@TheEvolver311]

@Syfcobra8549 I mean it's great if you think the rating dropping everytime the Bucks on TV is the best of things

[@SonCarlosH]

@@Syfcobra8549 JUNE 4TH UPDATE NO-ONE CARES! 🤡

[@blakemeads9225]

@@Syfcobra8549They’re so great that less people want to watch them.

[@swishwitzki4134]

A 35+ min wrestling video from Brian? Christmas is coming early! Thanks, Brian 🤩

[@bradcarver8127]

And so am i

[@andrew1181]

Virg

[@dyrr836]

I think this is the best and most nuanced take I've ever seen on the entire situation, KZbin video or otherwise. Well done Brian.

[@Janon48]

The main takeaway from this is that Tony Khan should get all the blame

[@higamason]

Loved the emotion you put out in this vid. One of my favorites you've ever done, Brian!

[@StrawberryMooosic]

"I'm happy for him. I hope he does well. I just don't care to know what happens to him." CM Punk achieved in a year and a half what Chris Jericho's taken an entire career to make us feel.

[@agphoenixlek3517]

Nah. I was tired of Jericho at the beginning of last decade. As for Punk, Brawl Out ended my fondness of him.

[@JobberV]

Hey now, some of us still find Jericho entertaining.

[@fezzabluenose]

You must not remember when Jericho was randomly returning from Fozzy tours for a few months to be in pointless feuds with Bray Wyatt, Randy Orton and Ryback…. Everyone was done with him, the gift of Jericho era saved his credibility

[@JobberV]

@fezzabluenose That's easy, I haven't watched WWE since 2006. What I've seen in AEW, sometimes he's showcased when someone younger should, but he's pretty entertaining.

[@Sleepwalkingok]

@@JobberV poor souls

[@joeyjusticeco]

As a huge CM Punk mark, I feel this video is a great, objective, fair take based on what's known. Great video!

[@jacksonloram7887]

Same I love Punk and can’t stand the Bucks but this vid was really well done. Problems on both sides but for those so called EVPs to treat talent like this is crazy

[@theluckiesteh9058]

Man, it's been a weird 10 years for professional wrestling.

[@diabeticman2194]

Honestly, while I still do not agree with how CM Punk handled his disagreements with the Elite/Jack Perry (even if they did cause some the issues), I just hope we can move on from it for the better, with AEW getting better and Punk in WWE producing good tv

[@maisiemenace8050]

This. I'm not going to say that the Elite were totally in the right Punk just came across as a 45 year old man throwing several tantrums over rumours and gossip. Like, why not just take Hangman to one side and talk it out?

[@vampirascoffin870]

​​@@maisiemenace8050 yeah and hangman page went into business for himself cause he was sticking up for Colt punks former friend yeah ok hangman is a dumbass for doing that maybe do your research aili better

[@DeadmanInc336]

​​@@maisiemenace8050this right here. Punk had the chance to prove he can be a locker room leader, he can be a mentor, and he can be somebody to look to for advice, and everytime he dropped the ball. Instead of diffusing things and deescalating things, he escalates it. Everything is a fight with him and I just don't think he has the maturity or self-awareness to navigate conflicts like an adult. He essentially proved WHY the WWE couldn't trust him with being the guy and why they couldn't trust him with being a locker room leader.

[@vampirascoffin870]

​@@DeadmanInc336 was you there? how you know? you do know there's a clique there right? hardly you don't pay attention

[@DeadmanInc336]

@@vampirascoffin870 my guy, for how long are you Punk apologists and sycophants going to use that excuse to hide your heads in the sand? There's enough information out there to paint a picture of what happened and for people to draw up their own conclusions on what reportedly happened. This whole "Were you there?" excuse just comes off real weak and mentally lazy. It still doesn't change the fact that Punk CHOSE to handle all these conflicts poorly.

[@Phoenix00Knight]

Ooof this didn't age well since Punk's latest interview lol

[@JoeChillton]

No, it's still Punk's fault he got fired and Tony's for not fixing the divide. Nice try not listening, mark

[@TheEvolver311]

​@@JoeChillton I don't think anyone thinks it's not his fault he got fired It's just more the Bucks and TK fault that AEW is a train wreck shit show

[@warshallwathers7971]

@@JoeChillton-🤓

[@GavinJones19982]

@@JoeChilltonAre you a troll for god sake on almost every comment being a dumbass😂

[@nicestoriesnottherealstori3006]

And AEW completely lost steam.

[@mattypaul87]

I will give WWE credit for kind of addressing the controversy by setting up a feud down the road with Seth Rollins. What Seth said this past RAW is definitely echoed by a lot of people. That being said, there was so much potential with Punk in AEW. 2021 in general was a great year for them with all the debuts. Too bad we're here at the end of 2023 and there are a lot of questions for the company.

[@ChrisTigerHarris]

I'm Hurt, I'm Old, I'm Tired, AND I'm Watching A Brian Zane Video

[@roninmedic7661]

Back in 2024 to review everyone's coverage of Brawl Out after the Helwani interview and AEW's inexplicable airing of CCTV footage, and your's is the first (out of 9 so far) that still holds up. Glad I found your obscure reviews a few years ago!

[@attaxwrongnes]

One of your best videos in ages. Literally the fairest take on the timeline of cm punks last few years ive seen on here .

[@alexquirk561]

This video is well done, gives a very objective look back at a interesting 2 year run while reflecting on all parties involved not just the subject.

[@joker12341]

"He needs to be on good behavior for 6 months." Good lord the EVPs are teenagers.

[@Drakeo83]

This was so beautifully well done and this is exactly how I've been feeling with the whole CM Punk debacle since 2014,The fallout between him and Colt really hurt me and hit a bit close to home...I know that it might not happen now or who knows maybe in 10 more years they might mend fences or at least act civil,clear all the bullshit and become friends again or at least aquatintaces... I may not be a huge Punk fan as I was anymore and to some extent I don't hate him,when he does right,I will commend him for it,if he fucks up,he fucks up.... Thank you for this episode,Brian! Amazing job on it and I understand that it was a hard one to do, especially when things are still so recent

[@Bassmanhill84]

Like Solomonster said, and it's all ill agree with , " He is now become, what he hated." If you don't die a hero, you live long enough to see yourself become the villain." So true.

[@mrlaidback83]

💯

[@Stamppitude]

"But realistically I give him a 9 months" This age like milk.

[@WrestlingWithWregret]

Can't win em all.

[@logd27]

I’ve actually seen CM Punk wrestle in 2023 and he’s still got it. I just hope he stays happy and healthy. Seeing my best friend mark out watching Punks Entrance at Forbidden door 2 will forever be chiseled into my brain.

[@CommunistJoeRogan]

"He's still hot it" and his fragile body has been injured how many times since he's come back?🤣💀

[@topcatmatt]

​amn this sounds soooo fucken bitter lmao

[@ryanwaslawski6088]

I don’t think Omega really had much to do with anything. He was gone injured when the drama started and seems like he was trying to break things up and got bit for his troubles.

[@pendafen7405]

Kenny seems like he's too nice and accommodating to people in the business, really. He lets the Bucks and their nonsense dictate too much about his own life and career.

[@robertoazuaje9279]

From what I've read he was apparently willing to work with Punk too, but the Bucks didn't budge (and I mean, even if they didn't have their hands clean in all this I fully understand them; Punk tried to bring back with him the guy who threw a chair at one of their faces as if nothing had happened)

[@InverseWeenis]

I was legitimately surprised to hear how much he was involved. He presents as someone so wholesome and accommodating, and this whole thing has me wondering if that is manufactured.

[@p__wing]

This is super well-balanced, and I'm someone who has a subjective opinion on this situation. Neither side acted maturely, and it's unfortunate any of this had to happen. Thanks for this comprehensive retelling of how AEW lost its innocence. 😆

[@pepsisupremacy5533]

except its not really, since he completely dismisses Page acting a dickhead and shooting on the biggest star in the company who was supposed to be a babyface in the feud. This guy is gonna be your next world champion and you're shooting to make internet fans think he's a bad guy and undermine his support? Its the height of unprofessionalism.

[@jamesgarretson2922]

@@pepsisupremacy5533 Except that no one thought anything of Page's comment until months after the fact. Was Page's comment unprofessional? If he really meant it the way Punk took it, sure. But Punk pettily called out Page not once, not twice, but three times after that, whereas Page said nothing else after their feud.

[@pepsisupremacy5533]

lol no, plenty of people noticed it, including me. Speak for yourself. It doesn't matter what Page did afterwards when he already started the drama and still refused to work an angle. These marks are gonna kill that company before it sinks in for you.@@jamesgarretson2922

[@Lunacorva]

1. Page's comments were no more severe than Eddie Kingston's. In fact "CM Punk is an asshole" was kind of a running theme in his feuds. "No-one wants you here!" 2. The Miz's Talking Smack promo was unplanned and brought up real life frustrations. It's many people's favourite promos. Same with Samoa Joe's verbal assasination of Scott Hall in TNA. 3. He kept from directly mentioning Cabana so that it could still tie into the story of their feud without actually making backstage rumours public. If he had said "Colt got fired because of you." This would be a different story. 4. Adding personal stuff into a feud is a great way to make it feel heated and personal. It's basic wrestling 101. 5. Punk did not respond in kind, nor did he handle it backstage in a "What the Hell?!!" moment. Instead, he waited MONTHS after the fact to publically bitch to a guy who wasn't even at the show, or even in a feud with him. THAT, is "Coward shit". at least Page said what he said to Punk's face when they were in a promo battle. 6. And I have to stress this: IT WAS A FUCKING PROMO! This all started because Punk got pissy that, and again, I must stress this: Page said mean things in a PROMO. Punk. What in the Holy Fuck do you think it is you do for a living? @@pepsisupremacy5533

[@armandeberwein920]

What a great retrospective summing up this whole saga. Thank you Brian! Awesome work!

[@maccy4829]

Very fair and balanced version of events. Good work z-man

[@str8edge20x]

Did anyone else notice the MJF/Punk feud was the plot to The Incredibles?

[@ricardonb6375]

Oh my god, I was just thinking that!

[@alneri8327]

MJF used his jewish Holywood connections (possibly with Rosie O'Donell too) to scramble this kind of entertainment for us.

[@CantBanOmar]

@@alneri8327 brodie thought he cooked when he wrote this dumb ahh shit

[@skywardbound67]

Finally a wrestling content creator that gets it! I’ve had the same feelings about Punk this whole time and it always felt like that side of the whole thing wasn’t even a factor when it comes to people who talk about wrestling. It’s always rumors or takes or takeovers of comment sections that spark stupid arguments. It’s exhausting and I’m glad that it was put to words on camera. I like Punk, I always thought he was pretty good, but he was never one I would be basing my entire fandom on in all this. I will say, I am very excited with the direction he’s going in WWE and hoping that it doesn’t fall apart.

[@antknees5597]

yessss theres so much potential with this rivalry with rollins. im just hoping he actually behaves

[@Hypno_BPM]

it’s great imo. punk brings a lot of realism to pro wrestling that was missing severely the whole decade he was gone. its just one promo with Punk but Seth Rollins is doing the best mic work he’s done since that Riddle promo a year and half ago.

[@theconnected7234]

​@@Hypno_BPMyou really get it! You never see Punk winking and nodding at the crowd to let them in on the big secret before the match is over the way so many performers do today. He's a real wrestler who really dislikes most of the people he's in the ring with and only cares about his own success like every solo athlete, artist or entrepreneur should.

[@hey4506]

Punk is like wrestling’s Taylor Swift their fans and haters are both equally passionate / insufferable and no matter how hard you try you will never be able to ignore them.

[@19fable]

I hate that I can only upvote this once.

[@cram2979]

Same as the ones who always feel the need to make sure that others know they don't care about CM Punk

[@12345Yeah]

And you hate him

[@markjackson6431]

very good example. props

[@redzero1649]

Holy cap

[@eviliventertainment]

This has to be the most objective, unbiased & fair synopsis of what occurred. Bravo. I’m thrilled to find this. I will continue to follow. Great work. You are a better journalist than most journalists.

[@scory22]

Damn you really hit the nail on the head with your intro. His AEW debut got me back into watching wresting on a weekly basis for the first time since 2010 (both companies too). After all the drama and tribalism post Brawl Out I'm barely watching the PPV's for either company at this point.

[@matthewsengendo6302]

But atleast wrestling ain't stagnat as it was in the mid-late 2010s that era sucked hard

[@lexa_power]

Give TNA a shot, hard to watch since they don’t have a tv contract but the product is so much better than what the other companies are putting out.

[@NullValid]

In one minute, Brian summarised how I feel about wrestling succinctly and why I am starting to be of the mind of just watching the shows and try to enjoy what's happening.

[@TheRealAhoy]

You've been listening to the idiotic critics who sound really enlightening about all sorts of things, but... They're actually all about micromanagement. If you look closely you'll realise they think everything about wrestling should revolve around micromanagement systems. The eternal question "How does someone get over?" - The answer is however it happens, it's just going to happen. An amazing idea brilliantly executed might not get over, could be the most ingenious idea ever for a wrestling character... It really might not get over. Getting over is all about little nuances the audience start to love (example, the way Austin walked to the ring. People just dug that as well as several other things, but that was an early thing. Guarantee you never in a conversation about "what wrestling needs" has it ever been simplified down to stuff like walking styles catching on. I did too, so not being a bighead here.

[@CulEdz]

The internet has changed wrestling so much that sometimes, you need to have some context for some feuds. For example, Seth vs Punk feud requires you to know what they said about each other. That’s the beauty of CM Punk.

[@rance89]

He wasnt injured in the bout with Mox. He was injured during the brawl at Brawl Out

[@jeffdecker627]

Brian, you may have hated making this video but I am very glad you did! This is one of your best...I truly appreciate your efforts to make this...fantastic video! Thank you very much!

[@waddlez7192]

The most anticipated Wrestling With Wregret career retrospective video. This is going to be good

[@ThatOnePunk-]

Coming back to this video after the Punk interview and AEW airing the All In footage is quite fun

[@Dynaraw]

Good shit Brother 😂

[@MarvelMTs]

Say what you will about CM Punk’s attitude, he and MJF had absolutely platinum work on the microphone and threw out absolute zingers that had even huge haters laughing or going “Oooohhhh”

[@ShiningJudgment666]

Epic program.

[@decepticonxhunter4850]

Thing is neither one of them really hadn't said anything that wasn't already being said on the internet. If i were a betting man, i'd almost be willing to wager that they stole most of their "zingers" straight off the internet.

[@jthavorn]

Tony Khan is like that one substitute teacher that all the students ignore and do whatever they want without fear of punishment.

[@jayrivii]

This video needs an update 😅

[@Shubdogg]

That's the understatement of the year.

[@JoeChillton]

​@@Shubdoggno he doesn't

[@david-468]

Nah doesn’t really matter what punk says, he needs to learn to take accountability

[@hakeemfullerton8645]

11:57-12:16 The Irony and Brian's reaction is one of the best things about this video

[@skullkidsid2418]

You did a good job covering this, Brian. I am proud of you. 👏🏻

[@PeterWDawson]

I think all the 'remember these words' moments really help show why it's a good idea to make this video, regardless of fatigue.

[@claymathewselevator8121]

I rewatched your Summer of CM Punk video this morning to prepare 😂

[@diegodelao2967]

After his recent interview it’s very easy to point fingers back at aew

[@Z3rGz]

That intro about CM Punk fatigue is the most reasonable take I've seen on the situation since he started wrestling again. I seriously thought I was going crazy for not caring about him going back to WWE but it really helps to hear your own perspective because all the drama is just so exhausting.

[@chris7_uyahshgs981]

Yet you just clicked on a video essay about cm punk 😂 obviously you’re still interested enough to check in on punk, that’s a star right there.

[@Z3rGz]

@@chris7_uyahshgs981 Of course, I enjoy this channel's content so I generally do watch new videos when they come out. Your reply definitely wasn't the "gotcha" moment you seem to think it was lmao

[@CoralCopperHead]

I hated him from the start.

[@CoralCopperHead]

@@chris7_uyahshgs981 Yeah, watching people lay out how much of a jackass he is is extremely entertaining for people who are sick of him, what's your point?

[@christophernear6990]

​@@chris7_uyahshgs981 If people have to go around and tell others they don't care, they really do care 😂

[@starkilla270]

You, Solomonster, and Deadlock are the holy Trinity of wrestling KZbin 🔥🙏

[@Bananahammock681]

Best episode of "Sidebar" you've ever done, Zane! Top tier bar sideing!

[@monstercombo007]

20:44 Look, You can pinpoint the exact moment Tony's heart breaks in half.

[@MrBeardsley]

WWE coming right out of the gate with a Punk/Rollins program seems like a real “sink or swim” moment for Phil. Their legitimate dislike for each other is well-documented, so Hunter immediately putting them together and saying “you kids play nice” is gonna be a test of Punk’s ability to do business in WWE.

[@ShiningJudgment666]

Seth Rollins is a professional. I think they'll be fine. That was one of the issues in AEW. He was 'working with children'.

[@johnepants]

Seth is going to play ball. HHH didn’t take him under his wing because he is stupid. And I feel like, while Punk can be a loose lipped Jackass, if they had a boss in AEW that could take control Of the situation, they could have made a crap ton of money over an Elite vs Punk feud. I think HHH wants to show that you can take two guys that don’t like each other and get them to move the needle for business, and Seth isn’t gonna screw that up

[@G33kCulture]

What a wild ride. I bet making this video felt harder than getting through Abraxas. Speaking of which, I will now go watch your review of that.

[@tylerpascua6818]

LOVE your long form videos Brian. Been looking forward to this one over a cup of coffee.

[@imfreviews]

Brian, this is a great review. I think the thing all need to keep in mind is we should talk about RESPONSIBILITY instead of blame or fault. There is tons of blame to go around, but the responsibility for this is all with TK.

[@kevrulz06]

I don't watch wrestling anymore (haven't for YEARS), but occasionally check out news of who's who and what's going on, so videos like this are absolutely great! And Brian, you did a great job putting this one together. Seems to me that it's one of those times where the boss has to be the boss, put his foot down, and say, "You're all gonna do this, and this, because I'm the boss and I want to run a successful company"!

[@Lunacorva]

Consider this though: Punk is a MASSIVE draw, and it all goes back to him. He was the one who went into business with himself to take shots at Hangman when Page wasn't even in the building or part of the storyline, because Page said mean things in a fucking PROMO BATTLE. He was the one who publically buried the company at All Out. He was part of the fight with the Elite. He CONTINUED to cause drama by lying about Jon Moxley on Instagram, and even when they brought him back with his own show, KEPT getting into fights and taking shots. Honestly. He should have been fired at All Out. But Khan didn't want to lose him, so he kept bending over backwards for him. Kept trying to accomodate him and be diplomatic as he acted more and more unprofessional. It's kind of hard to both be a stern boss, and be a reasonable diplomat when the person you're so desperately trying to keep around insists on acting like a toddler.

[@dontmatterbecause1009]

In other words: boss needs to get their shit together

[@stubrutv]

Eddie and Punks segment made me an Eddie Kingston fan. Punk was so hot at the time, but Eddie actually managed to make the crowd boo Punk. Plus Eddie was just so real

[@claymathewselevator8121]

Eddie Kingston is awesome

[@MSUHitman]

I was there live. It was the first AEW show in STL b/c the pandemic delayed the first scheduled show. AEW in STL has seen the following in its first 3 shows: Punk vs. Kingston promo Christian Cage turns heel Adam Cole’s return from concussion I can only hope Collision in January will have a moment equal to those.

[@levisamom5069]

And what makes me respect Eddie more was his mindset on the fact that he hated punk for real but was willing to do business... He said that even though he didn't like him, punk shouldn't have been fired coz he was good for the company and they made money together... That speaks volumes to his character in real life

[@kingjayded4752]

watching some of these promos back in hindsight really does give a different feel

[@IR4ndI0mIL0wIb0Ib]

Well now we know muuuuch more about this xD

[@CGB_Crash]

As per usual a fair, thoughtful, and educational take on a divisive wrestling controversey, courtesy of the IWC's most level head. Great video BZ, and kudos on the bump in views you no doubt already got by the time you read this lol.

[@LordOfThoru]

This was a very level headed explanation and genuinely made me re-think my belief that the elite were basically innocent. Obviously it's still Punk's fault for reacting the way he did, but the Elite were unbelievably petty towards Punk, if he was trying to make amends afterwards. Egos all around

[@frenchtoast2319]

Yeah i took the same away. I hadn't realized the amount of straight up bullying they did to punk. It was like school ties with a big banner saying "go home, punk"

[@raspymorten]

To be fair, I wouldn't exactly be jumping at the opportunity to work with the guy who, last time I saw him, threw a chair at me/my friend and caused a year long hate campaign, over the possibility that I started a rumor, that literally anyone could've thought of as soon as "Colt Cabana was moved down to ROH" came out.

[@raspymorten]

​@@frenchtoast2319What exactly constitutes bullying here? Working heel in Chicago? Or you acting like there's absolutely no way that the news of Colt Cabana being moved down to ROH could've kick started any rumors? It had to be the Elite who came up with it. I mean, it's not like Cabana and Punk's falling out was one of the biggest wrestling news stories of the last five years or anything...

[@frenchtoast2319]

@@raspymorten reread what I wrote. Try again.

[@raspymorten]

​@@frenchtoast2319 Again, what did they do to "bully" Punk? If I'm so stupid for not being able to get it, then it should be easy to bring up some examples.

[@elmaquiavelico5709]

Maybe an unpopular opinion, but what I get from this all situation is that Tony Khan really needs to grow some balls.

[@redzero1649]

He has balls. He fired the dude. What more do you want?

[@topcatmatt]

Umm how bout now lmao​@@redzero1649

[@blakemeads9225]

@@redzero1649after he allowed the situation to spiral out of control when he easily could have squashed the whole thing in the beginning.

[@hakeemfullerton8645]

Also before CM Punk's return to AEW, he also appeared at some IMPACT Wrestling tapings that took place in Chicago (same one where Trinity/Naomi debuted) where he took photos and mingled with the talent and also played a game of Uno backstage.

[@claymathewselevator8121]

Eddie Kingston vs CM Punk was my favorite AEW match of both

[@richardhogenson594]

Tony Khan is no VKM. Kenny Omega and the Young Bucks were jealous of CM Punk.

[@HubertVigilla]

In the same camp about C. Montgomery Punk fatigue. Wish him the best, hope he he stays healthy, but all the drama since Brawl Out is exhausting.

[@IAmDaldondo]

He's not kidding about the view count stuff. This video went up by like 5k just within 15 mins of me watching it

[@tobyburgess2684]

Absolute masterpiece of a video. Great work, Brian.

[@zimmerfly77]

You did an impeccable job on this video, Z-Man. Keep up the good work!

[@WaffleAfterHours]

CM Punk fatigue - what a perfect way to encapsulate it.