CM Punk. Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

Eddie Kingston opens up about CM Punk's release

By Adam Taylor | Last updated 10/31/23

Eddie Kingston isn't one to mix his words. There's a blurred line between the real Kingston and the persona he portrays on screen. Back in 2021, Kingston cut a promo with Punk, and it appeared to be setting up a feud between the two. As it turns out, there was already a real-life issue behind the scenes.

Speaking to Adrian Henandez via his YouTube channel, Kingston noted how he didn't want Punk in AEW.

"I didn't want him there," Kingston said (h/t Fightful). "Me and Punk don't like each other. That's fine. You're not going to like everyone you work with. Do I wish he was still in AEW and I wish it worked out differently? Yeah, because he helped the company. Other than that, I don't give a f--- what he does ... I don't wish him bad, but I don't wish him good either because I don't give a f---. That's it."

Kingston's abrasive nature makes him a loveable character. It also creates tension behind the scenes. Yet, it was Punk who ended up alienating the locker room on two occasions. First, it was the brawl with Kenny Omega and the Young Bucks. And then, the brawl at All-Out in Wembley Stadium.

Punk understands his value to a company. He knows he's a draw and is aware of his ability to top the merchandise charts. He's also strong-minded in his views on wrestling. That can lead to some tense moments between wrestlers. It's what ultimately led to his final confrontation with Jack Perry over the use of real glass.

Kingston can't be the easiest guy to work with. He speaks his mind, and that doesn't always go over well. But he never crosses the line. If he doesn't like somebody, he still puts on a show and remains professional.

We saw a great example of that against Claudio Castagnoli in a recent storyline. Kingston got what he wanted. Punk is gone from AEW. But the way it went down hurt the company's reputation. They're only now coming out of the other side of it, which is likely why Punk remains a free agent.

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