Tag: CM Punk

Ryan Nemeth Files Lawsuit Against AEW, Tony Khan, and CM Punk Over Alleged Locker Room Incident

It looks like AEW’s backstage drama isn’t staying behind closed doors. Former AEW talent Ryan Nemeth has officially taken legal action against All Elite Wrestling (AEW), Tony Khan, and CM Punk, filing a lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court on February 14. The lawsuit includes multiple allegations, including assault, breach of contract, breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, and intentional interference with prospective advantage.

According to Fightful, this legal battle appears to stem from a backstage incident on June 21, 2023, between Nemeth and CM Punk, who was still with AEW at the time. The situation reportedly escalated after Nemeth posted a tweet calling Punk “the softest man alive,” a comment Nemeth says was meant to bolster his heel persona. However, the tweet didn’t sit well with Punk, and the lawsuit claims the former AEW World Champion confronted Nemeth in the male talent locker room.

The lawsuit states that Punk aggressively approached Nemeth, allegedly saying, “Do we have a f*ing problem? Do we need to step outside and handle this like men?”** Nemeth asserts that he was cornered and attempted to defuse the situation. The following day, he allegedly reported the incident to AEW executives, but claims no disciplinary action was taken against Punk.

Nemeth Alleges Retaliation

After the confrontation, Nemeth’s issues with AEW seemingly worsened. The lawsuit states that AEW’s legal team informed him that he was being benched—something he believes was directly influenced by Punk. Despite his attempts to return to the ring, Nemeth claims he was repeatedly turned away. One notable incident occurred on August 12, 2023, when he arrived at an AEW event in Greensboro, North Carolina, only to be told by AEW official Pat Buck that he needed to leave the arena immediately. Travel was then arranged to send him home that same day.

Nemeth’s final AEW match took place on November 18, 2024, but by that point, CM Punk had already been fired. AEW terminated Punk’s contract in September 2023 following a physical altercation at AEW All In, marking the end of his tumultuous tenure with the company. Just two months later, Punk made his highly-publicized return to WWE at Survivor Series 2023.

Meanwhile, Ryan Nemeth has since moved on and currently competes alongside his brother, Nic Nemeth (fka Dolph Ziggler), in TNA Wrestling.

What’s Next?

This lawsuit brings yet another layer of controversy to AEW’s already rocky history with backstage altercations. While Punk has moved on to WWE and Nemeth has found a new home in TNA, this legal battle could shed more light on AEW’s handling of internal disputes. Will AEW respond publicly? Will Punk address the allegations? As the case unfolds, the wrestling world will be watching closely.

Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.

AEW Backstage Controversy: Ryan Nemeth’s Claims Against CM Punk

Over a year after CM Punk’s dramatic exit from AEW, new allegations from former AEW talent Ryan Nemeth have reignited controversy surrounding the polarizing wrestler and the company’s handling of backstage issues. Nemeth, known for his in-ring work and outspoken personality, has filed a formal complaint alleging harassment, threats, and organizational negligence during his time in AEW.

Nemeth Details Allegations Against Punk and AEW

According to Fightful Select, Nemeth submitted a detailed timeline to AEW executives in September. The document reportedly accuses CM Punk of harassment and threats while claiming AEW management failed to act on the incidents. Nemeth’s complaint includes evidence such as emails, text messages, and call logs and also alleges that Punk held an undisclosed executive position within the company.

Nemeth and Punk famously clashed after Punk’s AEW return in June 2023, stemming from a tweet by Nemeth that Punk confronted him about. Nemeth claims the confrontation escalated into threats and that he had previously raised concerns with then-AEW legal head Megha Parekh about potential targeting by Punk. Notably, Nemeth alleges that key figures like Tony Schiavone, Jon Moxley, and The Young Bucks were supportive of him during this time, but he was left off AEW programming for months following the incident.

“Silent Firing” and Anti-Punk Promo Controversy

Nemeth alleges he was unofficially blacklisted after his run-in with Punk, despite assurances from Parekh that his job was secure. In August, Nemeth was scheduled for a “Collision” taping but was pulled from the show at Punk’s request. Shortly after, Nemeth was flown to an AEW Dynamite event, where he claims the company pressured him to deliver an anti-Punk promo—a move he interpreted as AEW deflecting the situation rather than addressing it.

Complicating matters, Parekh’s departure from AEW left Nemeth communicating with other company officials, including Chris Peck and Margaret Stalvey. Nemeth later became a part of the investigation into Punk’s infamous altercation with Jack Perry at All Out 2023. However, he felt his issues with Punk were sidelined in favor of broader discussions about Punk’s future in AEW.

The Fallout and AEW’s Silence

Nemeth’s last AEW match took place in November 2023, coinciding with CM Punk’s return to WWE. Although Nemeth’s AEW contract extends into 2024, he claims he was effectively frozen out of the company. He alleges AEW owner Tony Khan and others viewed him as a scapegoat for Punk’s firing. Attempts to negotiate a settlement, reportedly involving a non-disclosure agreement, fell through after the offer was abruptly rescinded.

In his complaint, Nemeth has sought financial compensation and policy changes within AEW, citing discussions with mental health professionals to underscore the severity of the situation. While Nemeth acknowledges Punk’s role in his experience, he places significant blame on AEW executives like Chris Peck, accusing them of failing to take his concerns seriously.

Where Things Stand

Reports suggest Nemeth met with AEW leadership months ago, including a conversation with Tony Khan where the possibility of a return was raised. However, Nemeth expressed no interest in rejoining the company. AEW has yet to comment publicly on the allegations.

For now, Ryan Nemeth’s accusations cast a shadow on AEW’s locker room culture and management practices. While Punk’s departure and return to WWE seemed to close one chapter, Nemeth’s claims suggest unresolved issues that AEW may need to address to maintain a healthy backstage environment.

Paul Heyman Returns On WWE SmackDown, Introduces CM Punk As OG Bloodlines 5th War Games Team Member

Friday night’s episode of WWE SmackDown delivered one of the most electrifying moments of the year as CM Punk made his much-anticipated return. Joining the original Bloodline team for War Games, Punk’s comeback was orchestrated by none other than Paul Heyman, who also made a dramatic return to the fold.

Punk had been absent from WWE television, selling injuries sustained during his brutal Hell in a Cell victory over Drew McIntyre at Bad Blood. Fans were left guessing who would fill the fifth spot for the babyface War Games team, and the answer came in epic fashion when Heyman interrupted a tense in-ring confrontation between the two teams.

Solo Sikoa’s Power Play Backfires

Earlier in the night, Solo Sikoa took center stage, attempting to gain control of the narrative. With the opposing team seemingly unable to secure a fifth member, Sikoa called out Roman Reigns and the OG Bloodline faction for what he labeled “terms of surrender.”

Sikoa delivered an emotional plea laced with threats, telling Reigns and his crew that they could dominate WWE for decades if they joined forces. He wasn’t shy about pointing out Roman’s lack of a “Wise Man” or a fifth ally, raising the stakes with the ominous ultimatum: surrender and align with him, or face destruction.

The tension in the ring was palpable as Sikoa handed Reigns the microphone. But before Reigns could respond, Paul Heyman made his presence known.

Heyman’s Surprise and Punk’s Explosive Entrance

In classic Heyman style, the legendary advocate interrupted with a dramatic apology for his absence, referencing the brutal table spot at Madison Square Garden that took him out of action. Heyman then dropped the bombshell—War Games would indeed be five-on-five, revealing CM Punk as the final member of the OG Bloodline team.

As the unmistakable sound of Cult of Personality (Punk’s entrance music) hit, the crowd erupted. Punk sprinted down the ramp, wasting no time in igniting a brawl. The chaotic clash saw Punk and Roman Reigns dominate, with Tonga Loa and Tama Tonga each falling victim to a spear and Punk’s signature Go to Sleep (GTS).

The night ended on a powerful visual, as Paul Heyman stood on the ring apron, smiling broadly at the alliance between Punk and Reigns.

What’s Next for War Games?

With CM Punk’s return and his alignment with the original Bloodline, the War Games match has gone from must-see to absolutely unmissable. The dynamic between Punk, Reigns, and Heyman adds a layer of intrigue, as does the question of how Solo Sikoa will respond after his failed coup attempt.

SmackDown has officially raised the stakes for Survivor Series, and fans are eager to see what chaos unfolds when War Games hits the cage. Will Punk and Reigns be able to coexist, or is this alliance destined for implosion?

BONUS: CM Punk and The OG Bloodline stand tall: SmackDown exclusive, Nov. 22, 2024

CM Punk Advises WWE NXT Star Backstage At Battleground, Gets Called A Hypocrite

Following this past Sunday’s “NXT” Battleground show, WWE star CM Punk appeared in a backstage interview featuring Roxanne Perez and offered some advice to the young star, which was rejected by her.

Perez defended her “NXT” Women’s Championship against TNA’s Jordynne Grace and defeated the TNA Knockouts World Champion to extend her title reign. Punk, who was at the arena, appeared during Perez’s interview backstage after she retained the title and had some sage advice for her, which she duly dismissed. 

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“Are you surprised? Tell me right now, are you surprised?” asked Perez to “NXT” backstage interviewer Sarah Schreiber. “Of course you are, aren’t you? ‘Cause everybody is surprised. But why? Why? I am the protege, there’s no one like me…” said Perez before being interrupted by Punk.

“Hold on, calm down. I’m sorry to burst in here but listen, you’re the champion for a reason,” began Punk. “You’re head and shoulders above all these other women here. You’re head and shoulders above all the TNA Knockouts. But tonight you got lucky. I need you to focus on this [the title]. I need you to be who you are, I need you to be the protege. You don’t need anything else.”

Perez was not amused by Punk’s bit of advice and sarcastically thanked him before calling him a hypocrite and walking away. “Thanks for the advice. What a hypocrite, huh?” said Perez to Punk.

Punk then proceeded to ask Schreiber if the “NXT” Women’s Champion always has a chip on her shoulder, with the “NXT” interviewer answering in the affirmative. Perez, who won the title from Lyra Valkyria at Stand & Deliver in April, got the win over the TNA star on Sunday after landing the Pop-Rox on Grace. The match also saw interference from “NXT’s” Tatum Paxley, who tried to steal the TNA Knockouts Championship, but was stopped by Ash by Elegance, formerly known as Dana Brooke in WWE.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

CM Punk Will Return To WWE RAW This Month In Chicago

CM Punk has been announced for the March 25th episode of WWE RAW. WWE issued the following:

CM PUNK RETURNS TO MONDAY NIGHT RAW IN HIS HOMETOWN OF CHICAGO ON MARCH 25

New Seating Sections Released To Meet Demand

STAMFORD, Conn., March 11, 2024 – WWE®, part of TKO Group Holdings (NYSE: TKO), today announced that CM Punk will make a sensational return to Monday Night Raw at Allstate Arena in Chicago, Illinois, on Monday, March 25.

The sold-out show will now have brand new seating sections opened to meet demand. Fans are invited to visit www.ticketmaster.com from 10.00am CT / 11.00 a.m. ET to purchase the final remaining tickets.

This will mark CM Punk’s first return to Chicago’s Allstate Arena since he shocked the world back in November with a stunning return to WWE at Survivor Series, garnering more than 71 million record-breaking views across social media platforms.

His last appearance on Monday Night Raw on February 5, 2024, saw him reveal an injury sustained at Royal Rumble that would force him to miss WrestleMania XL. Questions remain around what the self-proclaimed “Best In the World” will have to say when he addresses the WWE Universe in-person on Monday, March 25.

CM Punk Underwent Successful Surgery

CM Punk recently underwent successful surgery for a torn triceps.

On Monday’s episode of WWE RAW, a video package aired confirming that Punk underwent surgery on his triceps.

You can check out the video package below:

CM Punk Confirms He Will Miss WWE WrestleMania 40 Due To Injury In Emotional Raw Promo

The Royal Rumble match is a transformative one. Alliances are broken, feuds are set up, and at the end of it all, the winner is cemented in history with a guaranteed title shot at WrestleMania. CM Punk was transformed by this past Royal Rumble match, but not in a positive way.

Punk opened up the latest edition of “WWE Raw” with a sobering announcement regarding a speculated injury. “The Best in the World” confirmed that he tore his right tricep during Saturday’s Royal Rumble match, and that despite attempts to perform in spite of his injury, he is slated to miss not only Elimination Chamber, but WrestleMania 40 entirely.

Despite being expected to miss most, if not all, of this year’s road to Wrestlemania, Punk did not leave the Tampa crowd wanting. He cut a promo targeted towards the masses, and acknowledged the struggles of those with cancer and pedestrian jobs such as teachers and garbage workers. He reassured the WWE Universe of an inevitable return by comparing himself to the Chicago Cubs, and claimed that there was “always next year”.

Drew McIntyre interrupted Punk near the tail-end of his speech. McIntyre acknowledged Punk’s grit, but said with glee that he would take Punk’s place on this road to WrestleMania, and “live CM Punk’s dream again”. McIntyre then assaulted the injured Punk, and it took interference from a recently-returned Sami Zayn to defuse the situation. The segment ended with Zayn helping Punk to his feet.

This is not the first time Punk’s tricep specifically has been injured. At AEW All Out 2022, Punk tore his left tricep after his match with Jon Moxley.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

CM Punk Wins First WWE Match In Nearly A Decade, Cuts Promo

CM Punk made his in-ring return at WWE’s Live Event in Madison Square Garden on Tuesday, after a triumphant return at Survivor Series: War Games. Punk faced former WWE NXT North American Champion Dominik Mysterio and the former AEW World Champion was victorious, his first WWE win since January 2014.

According to Justin J. Lopez on X (formerly known as Twitter), Punk pinned Mysterio after a GTS. The former WWE Champion then took to the microphone to address the Manhattan crowd.

“There’s a little part of me that came here for me, but you guys are the high tide that raises all ships,” Punk said. “You have carried me throughout my career to my greatest moments and this is one of them.” Punk then told the crowd to look at their fellow members of the WWE Universe and say hello and shake hands, much like the “Sign of Peace” at Catholic Mass. Punk says that he’s grateful to wake up and to be in the ring and for each and every fan that came to see him wrestle.

“I came to finish what I started. It starts tonight in the world’s most famous arena and the greatest fans on earth,” Punk said. “The Voice of the Voiceless” then said he’d win the Royal Rumble and head to WrestleMania. “That isn’t me finishing my story, that’s just me getting started.”

Punk was not done making his thoughts known, as WWE cameras caught up with “The Second City Saint” after the win, where he said, “King’s back, best in the world.”

Source: Wrestling Inc.

WWE SmackDown Tribute To The Troops Preview 12/8/2023, CM Punk, AJ Styles

WWE SmackDown’s Tribute to the Troops special will air live tonight on FOX from the Amica Mutual Pavilion in Providence, Rhode Island.

Backstage WWE & AEW Reaction To CM Punk’s Return To WWE

CM Punk made his return to WWE this past Saturday at the Survivor Series: WarGames 2023 pay-per-view event.

Fightful Select has shared additional details on the backstage reaction of both WWE and AEW to Punk returning “home” at the pay-per-view event in Chicago, IL.

Several top WWE wrestlers are expecting to speak to officials in the company for “assurances” about Punk and his role in the company going forward.

The reaction backstage in WWE has been quite muted, similar to when Punk returned for AEW Collision.

There have been rumors about talents who do not wish to work with Punk and are considering leaving WWE.

Like AEW, however, there have been no reports of anyone actually requesting his/her release over Punk’s return to WWE.

Some top talent in WWE have reportedly asked friends in AEW whether Punk was involved in the ongoing Devil storyline. It has been reported that Punk was never considered for the Devil’s role.

As for AEW President Tony Khan, he reportedly seemed more concerned with losing Katsuyori Shibata, who had to fly back to Japan, than Punk’s WWE return.

Punk’s appearance was kept a top secret in WWE, although the former AEW World Champion either told or hinted to his very close friends that it was happening.

WWE is currently using renders from Punk’s previous stint with the company including the same Titantron video.

A source at Peacock suggested that the playlist of Punk content, which went online immediately after Survivor Series 2023, didn’t require any time to compile.

Prior to Punk’s return on Saturday, WWE talent and staff were advised to ignore any Punk chants at SmackDown and Survivor Series 2023.

Source: eWn