AEW Releases Ace Steel After CM Punk Controversy
In a shocking turn of events, Ace Steel, a well-known figure in the professional wrestling world, has been released from All Elite Wrestling (AEW) for the second time, following a string of backstage controversies that also saw the departure of wrestling icon CM Punk.
AEW All Out had fans on the edge of their seats with one of the most memorable moments in recent wrestling history. The massive brawl involving CM Punk, The Elite, Christopher Daniels, who heads the Talent Relations, and Ace Steel, a close confidant and trainer of Punk, set the wrestling community abuzz. During the chaos, Steel escalated the confrontation, allegedly throwing a chair at The Elite’s Nick Jackson and taking a bite out of Kenny Omega.
The intensity of the brawl led to the suspension of everyone involved. AEW’s internal investigation subsequently led to the firing of Steel, deeming his behavior as a risk to the safety and security of other talents. However, in a twist, Steel was rehired, albeit with limitations. His new role mandated him to work remotely, with the company barring him from participating in live Collision tapings, a decision that did not sit well with CM Punk. In a redeeming gesture, AEW ensured Steel was compensated for the duration he remained without a job.
But the troubles did not stop there for AEW. Another investigation into a backstage incident between CM Punk and Jack Perry at the All In event culminated in Punk’s departure from AEW. This was a major blow for the wrestling promotion, as confirmed by AEW’s president Tony Khan’s announcement, which came right before a Collision episode. The aftermath of the announcement was evident, as that episode saw a significant dip in viewership.
Ace Steel’s relationship with AEW continued to remain strained. There had been a brief period of hope for fans and Steel alike, with rumors swirling around that the company was considering relocating Steel to Florida. This move would potentially see him taking up the mantle of training new talent. Unfortunately for Steel, this glimmer of hope was short-lived.
On September 7th, news outlets, including PWInsider, broke the story that Ace Steel’s ties with AEW had been severed again. The reasons behind this decision remain undisclosed, but one thing is for sure, Steel’s future with AEW looks bleak. This news comes as a surprise, especially considering that Steel’s AEW contract was initially slated to last until the fall of 2024.
With both CM Punk and Ace Steel no longer in the AEW picture, the wrestling community is left to speculate on the dynamics of the backstage environment and the future direction of All Elite Wrestling. Only time will reveal the repercussions of these departures and the next chapter in the saga of AEW.
