Matt Hardy has accused CM Punk of intentionally sabotaging a planned appearance on an episode of AEW Collision, citing it as an example of the problematic influence Punk held within the company. The incident, which Hardy detailed on his Extreme Life of Matt Hardy podcast, left him furious over what he described as a completely unprofessional situation that impacted his personal life.
The issue began with a segment on AEW Dynamite designed to set up Hardy accompanying Ethan Page for a match against MJF on Collision the following night, a moment intended to finalize Page’s turn as a fan favorite. Initially, Hardy declined a request from MJF to change his travel plans, stating he would only alter his schedule and miss time with his family if AEW President Tony Khan personally requested it.
Upon arriving at Dynamite, Hardy spoke directly with Khan, who confirmed he was needed for the Collision taping. “Yes, I want you tomorrow. Be out there with Ethan. I definitely want you there. You’re gonna be on the show. Thank you for doing this,” Hardy recalled Khan saying. With the plan confirmed, Hardy worked with the company’s travel department to change his flight.
However, just hours after receiving enthusiastic approval from Khan, Hardy received a call from the travel department informing him he was no longer needed for the show. The sudden reversal left Hardy stunned.
“I’m like, ‘What do you mean I’m not needed? I just talked to Tony three hours ago and he was excited. He said, let’s f***** go.”
Hardy recounted. Lacking direct proof but analyzing the situation, he concluded that only one person could have reversed a decision made by Khan.
“Someone stopped that from happening. I couldn’t imagine it was anyone besides Punk, because that was his show, right?”
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The cancellation turned into a travel nightmare for Hardy, who was unable to get a flight out of Toronto until late the next day and ultimately had to rent a car, not arriving home until 3:00 in the morning. The experience left him incensed.
“What happened at AEW or whatever created that was f***** b****** that night, and I did not like it. It was a very unprofessional situation that f***** me over in my real life, in my actual time. It really p***** me off.”
Hardy stated the incident was indicative of a larger issue during that period in AEW.
“There were definitely times, especially in that AEW relationship, where he was so deep in Tony’s ear and got to do whatever he wanted, and that ended up being problematic.”
Since his time in AEW, Matt Hardy, alongside his brother Jeff, has remained active, currently competing in TNA where they are scheduled for a Ladder Match for the Tag Team Titles at Slammiversary on July 20. The duo has also expressed a strong desire for a final run in WWE to conclude their careers and be inducted into the Hall of Fame.
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