FTR Explain Their Position On CM Punk’s Current Image in AEW

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Both members of FTR appeared on DAZN's The Walkway To Fight Club recently and spoke out about how they see the controversy surrounding CM Punk in AEW (via Wrestling Inc). Both Cash Wheeler and Dax Harwood are largely supportive of Punk and blame ignorance and insecurity for the current negative speculation around the star. You can read a few highlights from FTR and watch the full episode below.

Wheeler on where the issues originated: "I think it's a lot of things from the past, honestly. I think there's a lot of old grudges, there's a lot of old biases, and I think there's a lot of unresolved issues that are kind of tainting how people react to him now. ... I know there's underlying animosity once you're in wrestling for so long and especially at the top. There's gonna be guys that don't get along because you're all vying for the same thing, you want the same title, egos are gonna hit. It's inevitable." +

Wheeler on his personal experience with Punk: "He's not gonna give it that much time of day and that much notoriety because it doesn't deserve it. But I will say, there's two sides to every story, somewhere in the middle that's the truth. He's been nothing but a great person. That's why he wants the biggest houses, biggest gates, the most fans in the arena."

Harwood on the likely fuel for the tension: "What's the better headline? 'CM Punk goes into business for himself?' or 'CM Punk invites Will Hobbs into his locker room and explains to him for 30 minutes what he could've done to better himself in the match earlier?' or 'CM Punk goes to Danhausen, who came and asked him for advice, watched his match and CM Punk gave him notes of advice of what he can do better next time?'"

Harwood on Punk's intentions: "He's one of our best friends because we all share the same passion: Professional Wrestling, and sometimes passion can come off like being an asshole but he wants the best for us. He wants the best for AEW, and he puts AEW above himself."