The situation involving former AEW wrestler Ryan Nemeth and his complaints against the company has evolved with new insights, especially concerning his issues with CM Punk.
According to a report from Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio, Nemeth’s grievances stemmed from his interactions with Punk, which he detailed in a complaint sent to AEW in September 2023.
Nemeth expressed concerns to AEW’s former legal representative, Megha Parekh, that he would be targeted by Punk due to comments he made on social media, calling Punk “the softest man alive.” Nemeth claimed that Punk had threatened him in the locker room on June 21, 2023. Nemeth contended that his comments were part of an in-character social media post, not meant to escalate tensions.
There were early reports of a dispute between Nemeth and Punk on June 23, but it was initially described as a minor disagreement that was later reported to be unresolved. This incident came on the heels of another issue involving CM Punk at the AEW Collision tapings that summer, where Punk reportedly had issues with Christopher Daniels, AEW’s head of talent relations, due to Daniels’ perceived loyalty to The Elite amid their ongoing dispute. Nemeth was allegedly sent home from the taping because Punk didn’t want him there, with the official story initially being framed as a misunderstanding.
Further complicating the situation, Nemeth’s complaint mentioned a settlement offer from AEW, which would have equaled three years’ salary in exchange for signing an NDA. However, after Nemeth expressed a desire to discuss the offer, AEW withdrew it, reportedly because Punk was no longer with the company after being terminated in early September. This followed a separate incident at AEW All In in August 2023, which led to Punk’s firing. Meltzer speculated that AEW’s decision to withdraw the offer was based on the desire for the issue to “quietly go away” now that Punk was no longer involved.
Nemeth’s complaint also detailed further tensions, including threats of legal action from AEW legal counsel Chris Peck after Nemeth sent in his timeline of events. In addition, Megha Parekh, a prominent figure in AEW’s legal structure, had left the company under mysterious circumstances, which some speculated was connected to these ongoing disputes.
Additionally, Punk’s strained relationship with Colt Cabana — stemming from a dispute over a pizza outing with Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn — was a pivotal moment that led to a series of events that have shaped the wrestling landscape, including Punk’s eventual exit from AEW and return to WWE in November 2023.
This complex situation illustrates the backstage tensions within AEW, particularly between CM Punk and other wrestlers, and the role of AEW’s management in handling these disputes.
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