Over the weekend, Andrew Zarian provided an update on AEW’s plans for Saturday’s show – a show that will premiere in June and feature CM Punk as part of a brand split designed to iron out tensions between Punk and other roster members like The Elite and Jon Moxley.
This update came by itself men died Podcast. It was Zaryan then Live Observer Wrestling guest on Sunday (April 16), providing more details on not only Punk’s return, Saturday show, and brand split, but also current story plans for the latest Summer of Punk.
For starters, everyone involved is confident enough that Punk’s return is a done deal Tony Khan’s partners at Warner Bros Discover were informed:
“I know for a fact that Warner was told he was coming back. They are very aware of the situation. He has said recently that he is ready to return to AEW and wants to make it work.”
The previously reported meeting that was planned between Khan, Punk, FTR, and Chris Jericho was discussed wall. However, it appears there could be more to it than just air purification. Zarian’s sources told him Punk would be working with Jericho upon his return, and explained why that would send the right message to the roster:
“I’ve heard this from several people and the way it’s alluded to me is that the show will probably be Punk and Jericho in some capacity. I don’t know if FTR is involved or the Jericho Society is involved but you know what? That’s a very clever way of doing it.” Jericho introduced himself As the locker room leader, and Jericho came out and said he’s Sam or whatever he said, and he’s willing to make this work because he realizes there’s money in this.”
As for that other big financial spat that FTR’s Dax Harwood was promoting? Upon hearing Zaryan we must not hold our breath:
So, here’s the issue [Punk]Willing to work with elite members, I know that at the time I was told, and as of early this week, there was no intent on the other side, Kenny maybe a little more than bucks but I know they do not want to work with him. There was no dialogue between the two sides either in terms of sitting down and making this work.”
Which is why the Wednesday/Saturday menu split could be more stable than Zarian first thought:
“Plans are in place for there to be a premiere on Saturday to be the ‘soft’ split of the brand. When I used that term yesterday men diedI was told it’s a lot softer than what I put in there. I think there will be people mostly on the other show, on the Saturday show.”
Interested in Punk & Jericho revisiting their 2012 WWE feud? Do you think AEW has a deep enough roster to support a split roster?
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