CM Punk makes first public appearance since AEW All Out

Former two-time AEW World Champion CM Punk made his first public appearance since September’s All Out on Thursday, resuming his MMA color commentating duties for Cage Fury Fighting Championships.

Punk’s current status with AEW is unknown with the last development reported to be the two sides working toward a buyout of the remaining years on his deal.

Punk, a former two-time UFC fighter, even made a quip about not getting into a fight tonight:

With his comments at the now infamous post-All Out press conference, Punk drew the ire of the Young Bucks and Kenny Omega and a fight broke out in Punk’s locker room that also included Ace Steel. Everyone involved was suspended with Steel, Punk’s trainer and longtime friend, later getting fired. 

Punk was injured in his All Out match with Jon Moxley that saw Punk regain the title. It was a brief run as he was stripped several days later as were the Bucks and Omega who had just won the Trios titles the same night.

AEW, Tony Khan nor anyone involved have yet to publicly comment on anything that happened that night. Omega and the Bucks have been backstage at Dynamite the last few weeks, indicating their return is imminent. Recent vignettes are leading those to assume they will make their in-ring return at this month’s Full Gear.

Punk is assumed to not be returning as Chris Jericho and other top stars in AEW aren’t interested in working with him any longer, according to our Dave Meltzer.