Following last Wednesday’s AEW Dynamite, there were several reports that CM Punk went “off script” when he called out “Hangman” Adam Page, only for Page not to come out.
There were also other reports that Punk was unhappy in AEW, and almost no-showed Dynamite, and even was going to quit the company.
During a recent interview with Sports Illustrated, Punk was asked if he feels creatively fulfilled in AEW, and also asked about “going off script” during last week’s Dynamite.
On feeling creatively fulfilled in AEW:
“Yes, 100 percent…You try not to put too much stock in internet rumors. But for AEW, I definitely think that’s part of our audience. Twitter’s not real life, though. On top of that, a lie makes its way around the world twice before the truth puts his boots on or gets out of bed…If I addressed every rumor, I’d be here all day…I love AEW. It’s not a competition of who loves it more or who’s the heart and soul, or who’s this and who’s that. AEW allowed me a second chance to do what I do best, and that’s professionally wrestle…“It’s one side of the story. My locker room is never closed. It’s always open. Anybody who wants to DM [Dave] Meltzer some bulls— can come talk to me about it. It’s not macho, stupid bulls—. I’m an adult. Come talk with me.”
On going “off script” during his promo when he called out “Hangman” Adam Page
Punk said his motivation behind the promo was to “make people want to see what happens next” and “sell tickets.”
“That’s what I’m here to do, make people want to see what happens next,” Punk said. “I’m trying to sell tickets to the live events. That goes back to me saying Twitter isn’t [the] real world. Twitter is a bunch of people that don’t really care about your opinion. They want to find like-minded opinions that share their worldview. I’m trying to tell stories, sell tickets, and get people to tune in on Dynamite.”