Paul Wight: CM Punk Is Passionate, There’s Going To Be Conflict, But No One Can Deny His Star Power

Paul Wight comments on the return of CM Punk. 

CM Punk returned to AEW on the premiere episode of AEW Collision on June 17 after being out of action since AEW All Out 2022 when he suffered a triceps injury and was suspended for his role in an altercation with Kenny Omega and The Young Bucks (Matt Jackson & Nick Jackson). 

Punk’s return was met with a mixed reaction from fans, but Paul Wight believes he is best for business. 

“[CM Punk brings] star power. A lot of people may not like Phil’s attitude,” said Wight in an interview with DAZN at the end of July. “I’ve known Phil for a long time. We’ve been friends for a long time. Phil is super competitive and super driven. He expects a lot from himself, and he expects a lot from others around him. I think a lot [of what happened] in the beginning here is just a communication breakdown. People might not understand how passionate Phil is. Phil is a guy that’s going to let you know if he’s upset about something, and he’s not really going to give a crap if he hurts your feelings. He’s never been that way with me. If I’ve screwed up and done something, he’s letting me know right away, ‘What [were you] thinking?’ and it goes back and forth.

“I kind of have the same attitude. Not quite as intense as Phil, but mine is very business-oriented. What’s best for the program? What’s best for the overall show? A lot of times in a business when you have this many incredible talents with this many egos, feathers are gonna get rubbed the wrong way. There’s gonna be conflict. I mean,  it’s not Romper Room. This is a serious business with serious athletes and everyone has to learn to communicate their passion in different ways, but the one thing that unequivocally nobody can deny is CM Punk brings star power.”

Punk has made his presence known backstage at AEW Collision by handling conflicts with Ryan Nemeth and Jack Perry. 

Punk will be in action at AEW All In, defending the “Real” AEW World Title against Samoa Joe. Fans can check out the current lineup for AEW All In by clicking here. 

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