AEW terminate the contract of CM Punk

AEW have terminated the wrestler and employment agreement of CM Punk in a bombshell statement released by the wrestling promotion.

Punk's release from AEW comes after a weeklong internal investigation of an incident that occurred backstage at their Wembley Stadium show last weekend.

Following the investigation, the AEW Discipline Committee discussed the matter with an outside legal counsel before making a 'unanimous recommendation' to Khan that the former WWE star be cut.

"All Elite Wrestling (AEW) has terminated the wrestler and employment agreement of Phillip Brooks (CM Punk) and AEW with cause, effective immediately. The termination was confirmed today by Tony Khan, CEO, General Manager and Head of Creative of AEW," the statement reads.

Statement from All Elite Wrestling and Tony Khan pic.twitter.com/3MtW6MkGDf

— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) September 2, 2023

On Punk's termination from AEW, Khan said: "Phil played an important role within AEW and I thank him for his contributions. The termination of his AEW contracts with cause is ultimately my decision, and mine alone.

"Of course, I wish I didn’t have to share this news, which may come as a disappointment to many of our fans.

"Nevertheless, I am making the decision in the best interests of the many amazing people who make AEW possible every week - our talent, staff, venue operators and many others whose efforts are unsung but essential to bringing our fans great shows on television and at arenas and stadiums throughout the world."

The 44-year-old signed with AEW and returned to competition in 2021 following seven years away from the ring.

He plied his trade in the WWE before his departure in 2014 after a dispute with the company.

In between his spells with WWE and AEW, he had two fights in the UFC, losing to Mickey Gall on his Octagon debut before having a no-contest with Mike Jackson.