AEW star addresses CM Punk backstage issues: 'people might not understand how passionate he is'

Punk has made headlines recently after reports that certain members of the AEW roster aren’t allowed to be backstage at Collision, including Hangman Page, Ryan Nemeth and Christopher Daniels.
Of course, Punk is no stranger to backstage issues in AEW as we’re now approaching a year since the incident between Punk and the Elite backstage at All Out.
This all comes after Punk’s return to AEW TV in June, with him now presented as a figurehead of the new Collision brand, as well as having a big influence on the show backstage.

Speaking in a new interview with DAZN, Paul Wight said:
“Star power. A lot of people may not like Phil’s (CM Punk’s) attitude. 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 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 going to give a crap if he hurts your feelings. He’s not. He’s never been that way with me.

“If I’ve screwed up and done something, he’s letting me know right away, ‘What was I 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 going to get rubbed the wrong way.
“There’s going to 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. Still, the one thing that unequivocally nobody can deny is CM Punk brings star power.”

Punk is set to defend his ‘Real’ World Championship against Samoa Joe at All In at London’s Wembley Stadium this Sunday.
For all the latest AEW news, click here.