"Who the f**k is Ace Steel anyway?" - WWE legend blasts Tony Khan and CM Punk for jeopardizing AEW Collision debut

With AEW Collision less than a month away, it still seems as though the highly-anticipated return of CM Punk is not a done deal. A WWE veteran has criticized The Second City Saint and Tony Khan for potentially ruining the new show's premiere.

When Warner Bros. Discovery announced that AEW will be getting a third show, it was assumed that CM Punk would be making his return. However, there seem to be a few speedbumps in the way, and one of them is the rehiring of Ace Steel.

Punk's long-time friend worked backstage in AEW before being released due to his role in the infamous All Out brawl. However, reports suggest that CM Punk has requested for Ace Steel to be brought back into the fold for Collision, and should Tony Khan not oblige, Punk's return may be in jeopardy.

Former WCW President Eric Bischoff commented on this situation when speaking on his Strictly Business podcast:

"Unfortunately, Tony will find a way to allow this to continue, and Punk will be back, which will be a big mistake. Who the f*ck is Ace Steel anyway? […] Just because he's a confidant of CM Punk's? Why is he allowed to jeopardize the network premiere of a brand-new show? Are you f*cking kidding me?” [H/T: Wrestling Inc.]

Like many in the wrestling community, Bischoff is less than pleased by the situation. Nonetheless, it remains to be seen whether CM Punk will make his return at Collision and if he will have Ace Steel by his side.

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Ace Steel was in WWE before AEW

While Ace Steel is probably best known for reportedly biting Kenny Omega during the Brawl Out fiasco, however, the tenured veteran has done a lot more in the business than just that.

Ace Steel made several appearances in WWE during his in-ring career but was unable to string together a lengthy run in the company. Though, he would return to the promotion after a decade-long absence, this time as a coach. He spent just over two years in this role before being released.

Having debuted in 1991, Steel has over 30 years of experience in the industry under his belt. Perhaps this rare level of experience is why CM Punk is so adamant about working with him. Although, a recent report suggests that Ace Steel may have been brought back to AEW mere months after All Out 2022.