CM Punk and Jade Cargill share some insight into their creative freedom in AEW.
Since AEW’s inception in 2019, pro wrestlers have found Tony Khan to be more than lax with his creative influence over characters and storylines. We have heard over the years how wrestlers have developed their character and storylines personally, leading many to assume that there is more creative control in AEW than say WWE.
In an interview with Skewed and Reviewed Gareth Von Kallenbach at the San Diego Comic-Con, Jade Cargill and CM Punk both expressed their thoughts on AEW’s creative freedom. Jade spoke first on the topic.
“That’s one of the reasons why I chose All Elite Wrestling. We have control of our character, we can represent ourselves, our real authentic self. We can work outside the company and you know everything that we’re doing is from our hearts. We’re showing you exactly who we are and who we want to be. This is what we approved you know, it’s just refreshing. I never worked for another company, but I wrestled sheer emotions. I play basketball so everything is just who I am. What you see is just an extension of who I am, and I appreciate that.”
Jade Cargill to Skewed and Reviewed
Punk then joined in, sharing his two cents on the creative freedom in AEW.
“It’s super interesting, right, to me it’s fascinating listening to somebody uh she said she hasn’t worked for another company it’s important for her to be able to work in a place where she can fully express herself. I think that’s kind of what to me, killed wrestling for so long. Everything was muted, and toned down, and based on one person’s perspective. When you can’t pick your own name, pick your own entrance music, it’s very limited, and very creatively stifling.”
“I look at the old territory days and if you try and imply the way the other company runs things compared to the territories. You wouldn’t have The Road Warriors, you wouldn’t have Macho Man Randy Savage, you wouldn’t have these other things. As individuals, we are the ones that created the characters. Jade is Jade. We’re not trying to say ‘no, your name is Veronica Pepperstone. Some stupid ass name.”
CM Punk to Skewed and Reviewed
Punk is the current AEW World Heavyweight Champion while Jade remains the TBS Champion and is building to a match with Athena on AEW TV.
H/T to Fightful for transcription
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