Backstage Reaction to CM Punk’s Promo on AEW’s Debut Collision Show

This past Saturday’s AEW Collision show at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois featured an opening promo segment by CM Punk. During his opening promo, Punk discussed and ranted about several topics which included a dig at the Young Bucks for being “counterfeit bucks” compared to him being the “One Bill Phil.”

PWInsider’s Mike Johnson reported that his sources stated that the verbiage used by Punk for his promo was not pre-written nor pre-approved but was “completely off the cuff.” AEW officials reportedly had given Punk total creative freedom to speak to the live crowd as he saw fit.

In regards to the backstage reaction over Punk’s promo, Fightful Select reported that their sources stated that the general reaction was mixed with some pointing out Punk’s removal of the AEW mic flag logo was similar to what he had done for an angle in the past in WWE. It was reported that people on both sides spoken to had felt that Punk was just getting out what he needed to get out. Others spoken to reportedly felt that it was hypocritical of Punk to make comments about others being “soft” after he was publicly upset about his Hangman Adam Page program, its promos, and the spots he took issue with.

It was reported that another notable line from Punk’s promo that AEW’s roster noticed was his “One Bill Phil” line that he claimed that Warner Bros Discovery CEO David Zaslov has called him. Those within AEW reportedly speculated that this was in reference to the possible all-encompassing new AEW television deal with WBD that was rumored to be worth around $1 billion for five years.

In regards to Punk’s “Counterfeit Bucks” insult directed towards the Young Bucks, it was reported that those spoken to who had heard from the Young Bucks were told that they took it light heartily. The Young Bucks reportedly had also told others that things were okay with them over it.