10 Things AEW Fans Should Know About CM Punk's Relationship With Tony Khan

In recent years, few moments have generated as much excitement and anticipation as the return of CM Punk. After an absence that felt like an eternity to wrestling fans, Punk made his epic return in AEW, sending shockwaves throughout the industry. One key figure who played a pivotal role in making this happen was Tony Khan.

RELATED: Why AEW Firing CM Punk Was The Best Decision (& Why It Was A Mistake)

There are crucial details about CM Punk's relationship with Tony Khan that shed light on the backstage dynamics that occurred in AEW - both good and bad. Let's delve into a few things AEW fans should know about the unique bond between CM Punk and Tony Khan.

10 Tony Khan's First Attempts To Woo CM Punk

At least from the public's perspective, Tony Khan's relationship with CM Punk started with the inception of AEW. As owner and promoter of a new wrestling company, TK had to do everything he could to make his endeavor a success, and that meant signing legitimate stars. And who was easily the biggest star not under WWE's thumb?

Chants around the wrestling world made it clear how missed CM Punk was, and how valuable he would be to an emerging brand like AEW. TK even admitted in interviews that Punk was definitely on his dream list for a roster. There were obvious talks between them, and Khan was quoted as having "a good relationship with Phil" and that "he's awesome," but he couldn't sign the star for AEW's launch.

9 No One Is Safe

A few fans might forget that CM Punk made his long-anticipated return to the world of pro wrestling before he made his AEW debut, when he joined the crew on WWE Backstage. Instead of signing a big money contract with AEW, Punk chose to be a commentator on FOX's new show.

While CM Punk was promoting his new role on Twitter, he stirred the pot in classic Punk fashion by tagging Tony Khan alongside other notable WWE names, including Vince McMahon himself. "No one is safe," he wrote, presumably meaning he wouldn't hold back in his criticism of all things wrestling related, including TK and AEW. Khan commented on the tweet, stating: "I haven’t talked to him in a long time. I wish him the best and am not sure why he tagged me [...]"

8 Brodie Lee's Passing

One of the key factors for Punk eventually signing with AEW is the solidarity shown by the roster leading up to Brodie Lee's tragic passing. Wrestling fans were unaware of the severity of Brodie's illness, as news never leaked out of the promotion out of respect to Brodie and his family - something that is rather unheard of today.

Tony Khan and the members of AEW's roster showed a great deal of humanity, and that really opened Punk's eyes regarding any reservations he might have had because of certain other promotions. Punk would state: "Come to find out, he was sick, but nobody knew. Nobody said anything to anybody because it’s nobody’s business. Lot of respect for everybody back here."

7 Wining & Dining Before The First Dance

Punk and Khan both confirmed that they had been discussing his potential comeback for quite a while, contemplating this as far back as 2018. Punk required a few assurances before committing, admitting on the post-Rampage: The First Dance media scrum that he wanted to be "wined and dined" in order to make sure that he was making the right decision.

The duo also talked about how the pandemic caused a potential delay, as both agreed that his return to a wrestling ring should have been in front of a full audience.

6 The Honeymoon

CM Punk's return to the ring was a huge boost for AEW in many ways. Everyone was talking about the company, and were anxious to see if Punk still had gas left in the tank. He proved that he did, engaging in great feuds with the likes of Eddie Kingston and MJF.

RELATED: 10 Biggest Booking Errors Of CM Punk's Wrestling Career

When things were going well, it seemed like TK and CM Punk were the best of friends. However, things went sour about a year into Punk's run.

5 Good Times Don't Last, But Bad Guys Do

It was time for CM Punk to finally challenge for the AEW World Championship. Adam Page was the champion that Punk set his eyes on, but in the lead-up to the big showdown that Punk would ultimately win, Hangman made some comments during a promo about Punk that were based in real life. These words, as well as other backstage interactions, set up what would infamously be known as "Brawl Out."

Following his win over Jon Moxley at AEW All Out 2022, newly crowned AEW World Champion CM Punk went on a vicious rant at the media scrum where he called out The Elite. He made embarrassing comments that belittled the VPs, the company, and Tony Khan himself. What happened next, only a handful of people know exactly, but the Young Bucks made their way to Punk's locker room, and a brawl ensued. CM Punk & The Elite were suspended by Tony Khan for their actions. This would be the last time AEW fans would hear about Punk for a while, as he was injured in the match, and would ultimately vacate his title.

4 A Questionable Return

There were plenty of questions regarding CM Punk's future with the company. Many believed he would never be brought back, but Tony Khan knew Punk's value. While his AEW return seemed to be in jeopardy throughout his recovery from injury, a report came out that claimed Tony Khan and CM Punk's relationship remained on “sound footing.”

With their new show, AEW Collision, TK was able to keep Punk away from wrestlers he had issues with on Dynamite, and it worked for a few months. Ultimately, egos were still willing to clash.

3 Brawl-In

CM Punk got into an argument with Jack Perry over a spot where Perry wanted to use real glass during Collision. Punk shut that down, but during the pre-show at All In 2023, Perry and Hook performed a stunt on a car that involved real glass. Perry would turn to the camera and reference the argument he had with Punk.

Instead of letting it go, CM Punk simply couldn't keep away from the drama, allegedly getting into Perry's face, and culminating in him putting a choke hold on Jack... while next to Tony Khan.

2 You're Fired... With Cause

As if his over-reaction to Jack Perry's supposed slight wasn't bad enough at the biggest event in AEW history, CM Punk allegedly "lunged" at Tony Khan, physically going after the boss.

RELATED: 10 Backstage Wrestling Incidents From The Past That Would Have Gotten Wrestlers Fired Today

Monitors were said to be knocked over, as chaos and rampage ensued. This would lead to the inevitable: TK did the right thing as the boss, firing Punk for his transgressions.

1 The Last Dance

Like any serious break-up, it's safe to say that Tony Khan is hurting. He would present himself on-screen to the audience and to the viewers on the Collision following Punk's dismissal. He made a difficult choice that he didn't want to, but had to do, especially when he feared for his own safety, as well as the safety of his employees.