Tony Khan Explains Decision To Air AEW All In Backstage Footage
Tony Khan has given his reasons for airing footage of the backstage fight that led to CM Punk being fired from All Elite Wrestling.
On the April 10th edition of Dynamite, The Young Bucks have announced that they will air backstage footage from AEW All In and speak about it for the first time. Initially, many thought this would be part of some kind of skit playing into the Bucks’ current role as heel EVPs. However, it has since been confirmed that, in a surprise move, actual footage of the altercation between Jack Perry and CM Punk will be aired.
While it’s widely assumed the decision was a response to an interview during WrestleMania week that saw CM Punk claiming AEW isn’t a “real business”, while criticising Khan for not being a boss, the AEW President says he has other motivations.
Speaking to Sports Illustrated, Khan first confirmed that he will deliver what he advertised and the footage is real.
“AEW has a great track record on delivering what we advertise, and it is real footage. The Young Bucks will show backstage footage from All In, the most important event in AEW history–the world record-holder for the most tickets ever sold for any wrestling record, over 81,035 total–and it was an important night backstage, as well.”
On the decision to air it, Khan claimed it was all about driving interest for Dynamite and the upcoming Dynasty pay-per-view.
“The decision is based on putting on the best show for AEW, as well as driving interest for Dynamite and our Dynasty pay-per-view on April 21. This is real-life footage that affected many people, and it will air for the first time on TBS during Dynamite.”
Tony Khan “Very Upset” With CM Punk
While he has now given his public reasons, a recent report says that Tony Khan was “very upset” with CM Punk’s interview and that this directly led to the announcement that the backstage footage would be aired. Seemingly, Khan had wanted to broadcast the tape in the past, but decided against the idea, however, Punk’s interview appears to have changed his mind.