CM Punk says he loves AEW, contrary to recent rumors surrounding the reigning AEW World Champion.
Last week, multiple outlets reported that Punk was unhappy with the company, with Fightful Select reporting that he had “verbally expressed his displeasure.” It was also said that Punk went off-script when he called out Hangman Page during his promo on the August 24 episode of AEW Dynamite.
In an interview with Justin Barrasso of Sports Illustrated, Punk addressed these rumors and, when asked, emphasized that he feels creatively fulfilled in AEW. He made it clear that he enjoys working there. The champion noted that he also tries not to put too much weight on internet rumors.
“Yes, 100%,” Punk said. “You try not to put too much stock in internet rumors. But for AEW, I definitely think that’s part of our audience. Twitter’s not real life, though. On top of that, a lie makes its way around the world twice before the truth puts his boots on or gets out of bed.
“If I addressed every rumor, I’d be here all day. I love AEW. It’s not a competition of who loves it more or who’s the heart and soul, or who’s this and who’s that. AEW allowed me a second chance to do what I do best, and that’s professionally wrestle.”
Punk went on to state that his door is always open, and he invited reporters to come talk to him in order to get his side of the story.
“It’s one side of the story,” Punk said. “My locker room is never closed. It’s always open. Anybody who wants to DM [the Wrestling Observer’s Dave] Meltzer some bulls— can come talk to me about it. It’s not macho, stupid bulls—. I’m an adult. Come talk with me.”
The veteran also addressed how he called out Page and noted that he’s trying to sell tickets and tell stories.
“That’s what I’m here to do, make people want to see what happens next,” Punk says. “I’m trying to sell tickets to the live events. That goes back to me saying Twitter isn’t [the] real world. Twitter is a bunch of people that don’t really care about your opinion. They want to find like-minded opinions that share their worldview. I’m trying to tell stories, sell tickets, and get people to tune in on Dynamite.”
Punk will face AEW Interim World Champion Jon Moxley in a championship unification match on the August 24 episode of AEW Dynamite.
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