AEW's All In decision backfired, says WWE legend: "They make CM Punk look like a sympathetic figure"

WWE Hall of Famer Bully Ray (fka Bubba Ray Dudley) claims that AEW's decision to air the backstage footage from 'All In 2023' involving CM Punk heavily backfired considering the fan reactions.

On a recent episode of AEW Dynamite, The Young Bucks released unseen backstage footage from All in 2023 regarding the altercation between CM Punk and Jack Perry. After the footage was aired, fans in the arena were chanting for Punk. Furthermore, Tony Khan's promotion also received backlash online for their decision.

Speaking on the Busted Open podcast recently, WWE legend Bully Ray explained how AEW's decision to air the All In footage backfired.

"It backfired, People in the arena --- I don't care if it was 10 people or 100 people or whatever, people were chanting for CM Punk. I think that they actually make Punk look like a sympathetic figure here because Punk said what he said on Helwani's show, and exactly what he said he did.' Anybody can say whatever they want, there was no reason to air the footage. There was no reason to say the Bucks wanted the footage aired, this guy wanted the footage aired. One person wanted this footage aired." [H/T: WrestlingINC]

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CM Punk's current run in the WWE

Punk made his triumphant WWE return at Survivor Series: WarGames last year after parting ways with AEW. However, The Second City Saint injured his tricep during the 2024 men's Royal Rumble match.

Although he wasn't able to compete at WrestleMania 40, Punk cost Drew McIntyre the World Title to further the rivalry. On the RAW after Mania, the former WWE Champion yet again cost McIntyre a title opportunity.

Moreover, the feud between Drew and Punk continues to intrigue fans, and they are waiting for an eventual match between the two. Only time will tell when The Best in the World will be healthy enough to return to the ring.