More than six months after the iconic event that started the whole thing, Tony Khan has still not forgiven an AEW star.
The most damaging of several reported contentious backstage events in 2023 allegedly happened inside Wembley Stadium during the first-ever All In pay-per-view. As demonstrated during the pre-show, Jack Perry said, “You know what this is? ” while tapping the windshield of a car that was parked on the stage. Real Glass. “Go cry me a river,” you say to the camera directly.
The statement alluded to a previously publicized dispute in which Perry sought to use actual glass to be written off TV, but CM Punk blocked the approach. Punk, who was scheduled to exit the main show next, confronted Perry as he was making his way backstage following his match. Khan said there had been an altercation during the press conference following the concert.
A little more than a week later, on the eve of the All Out pay-per-view, which was scheduled to take place live in Punk’s native Chicago, CM Punk was openly dismissed by AEW. Tony Khan said he had no choice but to stay at All In because he was afraid for his safety.
After a few months, CM Punk would make a comeback to the world of pro wrestling—this time, at the WWE Survivor Series. Perry remained off AEW TV even after Punk left and the investigation was over. Rather, at Battle in the Valley, the former Tag Team Champion would make his shocking NJPW debut. Later, he would team up with House of Torture.
Given that Perry hasn’t appeared on AEW since All In and is currently a member of the NJPW roster, there have been rumors that he was also let go, but much more subtly than Punk’s departure was handled.
Tony Khan Is Still Furious With Jack Perry Regarding The August 2023 Scandal
Dave Meltzer said on Wrestling Observer Radio that although Perry is still employed, Tony Khan is still upset with him and believes he is the only reason AEW lost Punk:
Meltzer: “They’re not employing him, but he hasn’t been dismissed at all. Tony is blaming him because, in essence, he is furious with him for costing him CM Punk. It was probably a good idea to suspend him for a couple of months. What location are we in? It’s been seven months? It’s absurd. At this time, the crime doesn’t warrant the punishment. I mean, it seems as though he is to blame since the other person went insane.
Alvarez: “Tony CM Punk was not harmed by him. Tony was incurred by CM Punk. Tony could have suspended this guy right away; that was unprofessional of Punk.
Meltzer: “But it was really insignificant.” All of it was unnecessary since, in reality, Punk wouldn’t have started the whole thing in the first place, therefore it wouldn’t have happened with Jack Perry. It’s as like you’re yelling at him for something that has already been authorized. They did, after all, bring the glass, right?
Alvarez: “The vehicle is theirs.” It was approved for him to do it. The automobile was ready to go when Punk stated they shouldn’t do it.
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