Fan videos from AEW live events and other social media accounts that constantly post their mistakes are known to be taken down by the company. Their need for censorship doesn’t end there, as Tony Khan’s business also has stringent guidelines for what talent is permitted to publish on social media and other topics. Now that we have bits and parts of the manual, it’s an interesting read.
This stems from the reports this week of CM Punks rants on Instagram and others –
In a recent Instagram story, CM Punk attacked AEW in detail. He implied that he was under pressure to compete even if he didn’t feel physically capable of doing so. He later erased that story, but his point had already been made.
Punk said –
“SIGH. I wasn’t cleared to come back to wrestle yet. Then the plan was to wrestle at the ppv. I sat and listened to Moxley’s Rocky three idea. I explained how I’d never seen a Rocky movie. I and thought the idea sucked, but if the boss wanted to do it, whatever. He said he wouldn’t lose to me. I’d never experienced someone refusing to lose to me. I just laughed. I asked Tony [Khan] if this was what he wanted. He said yes. He’s the boss, so I said okay, but I’d need to be cleared first. They kept saying it could just be a squash, so I didn’t need to be cleared. I scoffed at that. My health is more important.”
A little bombshell was dropped on Twitter by the pro wrestling insider and podcaster Brian Last. The removal of CM Punk’s Instagram story garnered a lot of attention. Due to this, Mr Last published a few pages from the “AEW rulebook” with the title, “Was CM Punk told to take down his Instagram post? This is the Talent Playbook of AEW, Section 19.
The rules read as follows –
All conversations that are held “back of house” at AEW shows or scheduled events, in- person or virtually (including talent meetings), are confidential and are not to be discussed publicly.
Directing abusive, profane, or threatening language towards AEW
Talent and employees must maintain proper respect for AEW at all times. Offenses against AEW include verbal or other non-physical abuse.
This applies at all AEW event locations, including at the arena or event venue, airports and other transportation modes to and from an AEW event, and at hotels or other accommodations provided in connection with AEW.
Public Criticism of Fellow Team Members
AEW policy prohibits public criticism of fellow team members. Such prohibited public statements may include, but are not limited to:
Accusations or criticism of fellow team members or the organization as a whole.
Accusations or criticism of tactics/style of wrestling of fellow team members.
Accusations or suggestions that certain issues consistently occur in a particular match.
Innuendos and indirect statements will also be considered prohibited. While understanding that social media can be used to help advance storylines, first please check with those with whom you are working before posting.
Feel free to run potential posts by Christopher Daniels, a coach or a member of Legal/HR or PR team before posting. 5. Unauthorized Media Engagement ·
Interviews:
Do not conduct any interviews, podcasts or engage with the media without alerting and engaging the PR team. You will be breaking policy if you move forward with an unapproved interview. Anonymous Sources: Instances of anonymous AEW talent being cited by media as sources of information will not be tolerated and is subject to discipline upon a first offense. These policies and accountability measures will protect you, your colleagues and AEW. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to Talent Development or Legal/HR to discuss.
