Tony Khan continues to punish 26-year-old star after reportedly still being “really mad” at him for costing AEW CM Punk

Jack Perry hasn't wrestled in AEW since August 2023.

Tony Khan continues to punish 26-year-old star after reportedly still being “really mad” at him for costing AEW CM Punk

Tony Khan and CM Punk (via AEW and WWE)

AEW wrestler Jack Perry, aka The Jungle Boy, suffered immensely in the aftermath of the fight between him and CM Punk. The co-owner of the company, Tony Khan, indefinitely suspended him, and he is still yet to perform in 2024. It looked like Khan was still upset with Perry for costing the company one of the most popular and successful wrestlers. 

According to Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio, it’s been 7 months since Tony Khan suspended Jack Perry and terminated Punk’s contract. He stated that Khan found him responsible for the loss of the Best in the World, and the suspension is still ongoing. Meltzer confirmed that Perry hasn’t been fired from the company; he’s just not being used. 

At AEW All In, the 26-year-old wrestler took a shot at CM Punk for not letting him use real glass during a fight. They got into an argument backstage before Punk’s match, and therefore both faced severe punishment from Khan. Punk left the company and returned to WWE at Survivor Series: WarGames, and WWE benefited from his return. 

He has not been fired. He's absolutely not been fired, but they're not using him. Essentially, Tony's really mad at him because he cost him CM Punk.
Dave Meltzer on WOR

Meanwhile, Perry debuted in New Japan Pro Wrestling and ripped his AEW contract in the middle of the ring. It’s still not clear when he will perform again in the Jacksonville-based promotion. It will be interesting to see whether Jack Perry becomes a regular star in NJPW or comes back to AEW.

Tony Khan intends to make recent signee Mercedes Mone the face of AEW

AEW co-owner Tony Khan has been on a roll with these new signings recently. Some of the world’s top stars, like Will Ospreay, Kazuchika Okada, and Mercedes Mone, joined the Jacksonville-based company. Khan stated that Mone has every characteristic to become the face of AEW. 

Mercedes Mone and Tony Khan
Mercedes Mone and Tony Khan (via Ringside News)

The 32-year-old star made her debut at AEW Big Business in front of her home crowd and delivered an emotional promo. Mone and Khan spoke with NBC10 about her debut and her impact on the company in the future. He described her as one of the greatest wrestlers in the world and said that her inclusion in the company would surely benefit them. 

Mercedes is one of the greatest wrestlers in the world. She is going to help bring in new audiences from all over the world. I think, not only is she going to come in as one of the faces of AEW, one of the top stars, but she’s also one of the best wrestlers, one of the most charismatic people, somebody who loves wrestling.
Tony Khan on Mercedes Mone via NBC10

With his intentions to make Mone the face of AEW, fans can expect her to be in the marquee feuds this year. According to many sources, she became the highest-paid female wrestler in history when she joined AEW. Only time will tell when she will return for the in-ring action. 

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