Darby Allin Possibly Takes a Shot at CM Punk, Calling Him a “Cancer” to AEW
Darby Allin Possibly Takes a Shot at CM Punk, Calling Him a “Cancer” to All Elite Wrestling. All Elite Wrestling’s Day 1 star Darby might have taken a subtle shot at Punk, referring to a “cancer” being removed from the company during his latest interview with Ariel Helwani. The comment has quickly caught the attention of wrestling fans, reigniting discussions about Punk’s controversial exit from All Elite Wrestling.
Since the beginning of All Elite Wrestling, Allin has stood out as one of the most loyal and hard-working performers in the company. Known for his fearless attitude and death-defying stunts, Allin has carried All Elite Wrestling’s original spirit since its early days. He also had the honor of facing Punk in Punk’s return to professional wrestling after seven years, at AEW All Out 2021 in Chicago — a match that remains a defining moment for both men.
Darby Allin comments –
Allin Talks About AEW’s New Locker-Room Energy
In a recent appearance on The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani, Allin opened up about how the mindset within All Elite Wrestling has evolved over the years. Allin mentioned that the company’s environment feels much healthier now, saying that “everyone’s on the same wavelength” and that the locker room shares the same goals.
However, one particular line from the interview sparked attention. When asked what had changed, Allin bluntly said that “the cancer got cut out.” He went on to explain that in the past, some wrestlers were driven by ego and refused to lose matches, creating unnecessary tension within the promotion. Allin emphasized that wrestling is a performance art and that anyone bringing real ego into it should probably find another profession.
Is Darby Referring to Punk?
Although Darby didn’t mention Punk directly, fans immediately connected his statement to the former World Champion. Punk’s time in All Elite Wrestling was filled with both critical acclaim and backstage controversy. Despite delivering classic matches, Punk’s run was overshadowed by real-life conflicts with several top All Elite Wrestling stars, which eventually led to his firing in 2023.
The phrase “cancer cut out” echoes comments made by other wrestlers in the past, including Chris Jericho and Seth Rollins, who publicly criticized Punk for being difficult to work with. Given Allin’s history with Punk and the timing of his comments, many believe this was a subtle jab aimed in Punk’s direction.
Could It Be About More Than Just Punk?
While Punk is the obvious name associated with the remark, Darby suggested it wasn’t about a single person. He referred to “groups of people” who didn’t want to lose, hinting that his frustration may extend beyond just Punk.
One name that’s been mentioned in similar backstage discussions is Miro, formerly known as Rusev in WWE. Reports in 2023 claimed Miro allegedly refused to lose to Hangman Adam Page, which caused creative tension at the time. Allin’s statement could reflect a broader criticism of ego issues among wrestlers who prioritize their own image over the success of the overall product.
AEW’s Locker Room Moving Forward
Regardless of who Allin was referring to, it’s clear that All Elite Wrestling’s locker room has undergone major changes since last year. With figures like CM Punk no longer part of the company, talents such as Darby, Hangman Adam Page, and Jon Moxley have taken leadership roles in maintaining a positive and team-focused culture.
Allin’s comments reinforce his commitment to All Elite Wrestling’s original mission — to deliver authentic, high-energy wrestling that puts fans and storytelling first. His outspoken attitude reflects the renewed sense of unity that All Elite Wrestling has been striving for in recent months.
Final Thoughts
Whether or not Darby intended his remarks as a shot at Punk, the message was clear: All Elite Wrestling’s environment has become stronger by eliminating unnecessary ego and drama. As the company looks toward the future, Allin continues to stand out as one of its most dedicated performers and true All Elite Wrestling originals.
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