Two-time WWE Hall of Famer Booker T believes too much was made of the All In 2023 backstage altercation that was merely boys getting into ‘it.’
The altercation between CM Punk and Jack Perry led to both men being suspended from AEW and Punk would be fired following a week-long investigation.
On a recent edition of his “Hall of Fame” podcast, Booker T discussed the fight, which he believes was not as bad as the punishment suggests. He said,
“I don’t think that was a fireable offense. I don’t know what has been going on behind the scenes with CM Punk and Tony Khan or anything … Because that did not seem like it was anything other than the boys getting into it.
“I’ve gotten into it with guys on the roster before, many, many times, and normally, after it happens, they would bring us in and say, ‘Guys, either we’re going to get along or somebody’s going to have to get along.’ One of the two. Then we’d shake hands and get back to work.”
Booker T added that AEW bringing Punk back from his first suspension but choosing to keep him off of Dynamite did not help Punk’s mental state in AEW. He said,
“I think that may have made the problem even worse because CM Punk was taken off the biggest show that they have and put on the Saturday show. Nobody was really watching, and then you expect that CM Punk was going to actually draw all the numbers for that show. If the number was bad, who was going to get the blame for it?”
Punk returned to WWE at Survivor Series 2023 last November. Jack Perry returned to AEW programming to aid The Elite at the recent AEW Dynasty pay-per-view event.
Title: Booker T Believes All In 2023 Altercation Was Overblown
Subtitle: Two-time WWE Hall of Famer shares his perspective on the CM Punk and Jack Perry backstage fight
Date: April 2024
In a recent episode of his “Hall of Fame” podcast, wrestling legend Booker T expressed his belief that the backstage altercation between CM Punk and Jack Perry at All In 2023 was blown out of proportion. According to Booker T, the incident was merely a case of “boys getting into it” and did not warrant the severe consequences that followed.
The altercation between Punk and Perry resulted in both men being suspended from All Elite Wrestling (AEW), with Punk ultimately being fired after a week-long investigation. However, Booker T contends that the punishment was excessive for what he perceives as a typical disagreement among wrestlers. He stated, “I don’t think that was a fireable offense. I’ve gotten into it with guys on the roster before, many, many times, and normally, after it happens, they would bring us in and say, ‘Guys, either we’re going to get along or somebody’s going to have to get along.'”
Booker T also criticized AEW’s handling of the situation, particularly their decision to bring Punk back from his initial suspension but keep him off the main Dynamite show. According to him, this move negatively impacted Punk’s mental state within the company. Booker T explained, “I think that may have made the problem even worse because CM Punk was taken off the biggest show that they have and put on the Saturday show. Nobody was really watching, and then you expect that CM Punk was going to actually draw all the numbers for that show.”
The wrestling veteran further questioned who would take responsibility if the ratings for the Saturday show turned out to be poor. This decision seemingly placed undue pressure on Punk and potentially exacerbated the tensions within AEW.
Since the incident, both CM Punk and Jack Perry have made their respective returns to the wrestling scene. Punk rejoined WWE at Survivor Series 2023, while Perry recently appeared at the AEW Dynasty pay-per-view event to aid The Elite.
While opinions on the severity of the altercation may differ, Booker T’s perspective sheds light on the complexities of backstage conflicts in the wrestling industry. As fans continue to speculate and analyze the events surrounding All In 2023, it remains to be seen how this incident will impact the careers of those involved and the overall dynamics within AEW.