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The drama surrounding AEW star CM Punk’s comeback to the promotion is far from over. Days after AEW announced a third TV show, raising hopes of the Second City Saint’s return to the ring, negative reports have emerged about the development. Punk’s desire to work with a former WWE staff seems to have played a part in his AEW homecoming.

Meanwhile, a WWE legend has lashed out at CM Punk and his “confidante” after getting enraged about the recent news.

Eric Bischoff goes ballistic against Ace Steel

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Former AEW producer Ace Steel grabbed the headlines for his infamous role in the AEW All Out brawl. As a close friend of The Best in the World, Steel sided with him and allegedly bit Kenny Omega. The backstage fight resulted in several suspensions, and Steel was one of them. Now, Punk, who hasn’t been seen in the ring since the aforementioned fight, has asked for Steel’s inclusion along with him in the new show.

Eric Bischoff, who has been a long-time critic of CM Punk, came down hard on the wrestler and didn’t hold back against AEW owner Tony Khan and Steel. Speaking on his Strictly Business podcast, the WWE Hall of Famer called Steel a “confidante” of Punk, after questioning the 50-year-old’s credentials. “Who the f**k is Ace Steel anyway?” Bischoff asked. He said Khan will probably give in to Punk’s demands and rehire Steel.

“Unfortunately, Tony will find a way to allow this to continue, and Punk will be back, which will be a big mistake…Why in the world should this guy, just because he is a confidante of CM Punk, be allowed to jeopardize the network premiere of a brand-new show?” he ranted.

The Former WCW President even drew comparison between the ex-WWE Champion and Hulk Hogan, taking a dig at the former. “It’s like these hardcore wrestling fans and Punk himself, who was so anti-Hulk Hogan for being selfish and all the other things. Punk’s worse,” he said. Bischoff said if CM Punk wants his men in the company, he should pay them. “He’s making five or more million dollars a year. If he needs to have a confidante, let Punk pay him.”

Meanwhile, the 67-year-old didn’t spare the new network as well.

WWE Hall of Famer alleges lack of clarity during meeting ahead of new AEW show

Bischoff was critical of AEW’s contract to CM Punk and alleged that there wasn’t a clear meeting of minds. “There was not a clear and firm meeting of the minds regarding the issues surrounding all of these, the drama and all the stupid stuff that’s come with CM Punk.

Read More: “He Doesn’t Look Like a Star”: 67-Year-Old WWE Legend, Who Was Excited For CM Punk’s AEW Debut, Goes On an Unhinged Rant Against the Former WWE Champion

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The 67-year-old poked at the reported legal issues surrounding CM Punk and said TV network TBS should have done their background check before planning the new show with Punk in mind. “That is a total abject failure on the part of the business side of AEW and quite frankly, TBS,” he said.

The new AEW show, titled Collision, will air live every Saturday from June 17. So far, CM Punk’s arrival remains a mystery and one would have to wait for further announcement from either parties to get a clear picture. He, however, made a backstage visit to WWE and Impact Wrestling recently, sparking interests among fans. 

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That said, what is your take on Bischoff’s recent rant? Let us know in the comments.

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