CM Punk's feud with Jack Perry is the talk of the wrestling world after a video of their altercation at "All In" was broadcast on Wednesday night's episode of AEW Dynamite.
Back in September last year, AEW terminated the contract of CM Punk, real name Phillip Brooks, with immediate effect following a 'backstage incident' at "All In - London", Wembley.
A statement read: "All Elite Wrestling (AEW) has terminated the wrestler and employment agreements between Phillip Brooks (CM Punk) and AEW with cause, effective immediately."
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At the time, fans speculated about whether the alleged altercation involved Jack "Jungle Boy" Perry, who was later suspended over the confrontation which led to CM Punk being released
And on Wednesday night, AEW decided to release footage of the incident between Punk and Perry, as seen below.
Despite having no audio, the clip has certainly got people talking.
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The Young Bucks, a tag team tag team consisting of brothers Matthew and Nicholas Massie, introduced the footage as part of their storyline with FTR, who were previously close to Punk.
Punk can be seen walking over to Perry and moments later, the 26-year-old was placed in a very real front facelock as the likes of Jerry Lynn, Chris Hero and Samoa Joe watched on in shock before breaking them up.
In a statement last year, AEW promotor Tony Khan would call the incident "regrettable". He also said it "endangered" people backstage, including the production staff and those who help put the show on every week.
“Phil played an important role within AEW and I thank him for his contributions,” Khan added. “The termination of his AEW contracts with cause is ultimately my decision, and mine alone.”
Less than three months later, Punk rejoined WWE in a moment that will go down as one of the biggest in company history.
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In fact, after the footage was broadcast on AEW on Wednesday night, Punk reacted to the segment by posting a picture of former American president George Bush with his thumb up.
A message on the picture also reads: "‘Mission accomplished."
Ahead of the show being broadcast, Tony Khan opened up on the decision to release footage of the incident between Punk and Perry.
“AEW has a great track record on delivering what we advertise, and it is real footage," he told Sports Illustrated.
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"The Young Bucks will show backstage footage from All In, the most important event in AEW history–the world record-holder for the most tickets ever sold for any wrestling record, over 81,035 total–and it was an important night backstage, as well.”
Khan added: "The decision is based on putting on the best show for AEW, as well as driving interest for Dynamite and our Dynasty pay-per-view on April 21. This is real-life footage that affected many people, and it will air for the first time on TBS during Dynamite."
Jack Kenmare