All Elite Wrestling (AEW) recently announced an extension of Danhausen’s contract, keeping the fan-favorite wrestler under their banner despite him being absent from AEW programming for over a year. This development comes amid circulating reports that Danhausen wanted to leave AEW, raising questions about why Tony Khan chose to retain the star’s services for now.
Speculation suggests that Tony Khan’s decision to hold onto Danhausen’s contract may be connected to the ongoing fallout involving former AEW talent CM Punk, who shares a close friendship with Danhausen. The relationship between the two has sparked rumors that <a href="https://cynicaltimes.org/category/wrestling-news/wwe/”>WWE is interested in signing Danhausen once his current contract ends.
Background on CM Punk’s Departure and Danhausen’s Injury Hiatus
CM Punk, known as the self-proclaimed “Best in the World,” was released by AEW following a backstage altercation with Jack Perry at the All In: London event in 2023. This incident occurred less than a year after Punk’s highly publicized media scrum rant and backstage conflict with The Elite after All Out 2022. Despite his initial arrival being a major highlight for AEW, Punk’s tenure was marked by controversy that culminated in a difficult exit.
Following his release, Punk returned to WWE, the company where he originally made his name. Meanwhile, Danhausen, who debuted in AEW in 2022, was sidelined with a torn pectoral muscle suffered at Revolution 2023. This injury kept him out of action until November 2023, when he attempted a comeback during a TNT Championship contenders’ battle royal at the Worlds End pre-show but failed to secure a win. Since that match, Danhausen has not appeared in the AEW ring despite maintaining an active contract.
The Close Bond Between Danhausen and CM Punk
Fans are well aware of the strong friendship between Danhausen and CM Punk. The two often engage with each other through social media, live events, and video blogs, frequently sharing humorous exchanges. For instance, during SummerSlam weekend in 2025, Danhausen was seen giving Punk a humorous gift in his hotel room, highlighting their camaraderie.
Given their connection, some believe CM Punk may encourage WWE to pursue signing Danhausen once his AEW deal expires. Reports from July suggested that WWE is highly interested in bringing Danhausen onboard. Considering Punk’s stature within WWE, his influence could significantly increase the likelihood of Danhausen joining the Stamford-based company.
Possible Reasons Behind Tony Khan’s Retention of Danhausen
Since returning to WWE at Survivor Series 2023, CM Punk has repeatedly criticized AEW on WWE television. His comments have referenced past conflicts with The Elite, labeled himself a “choke artist” in regard to his fight with Jack Perry, and taken jabs at AEW’s challenges with ticket sales and live event attendance.
Danhausen and Punk are known for their strong on-screen chemistry, and if Danhausen were to join WWE, he might use the platform to mock AEW alongside Punk. Given Danhausen’s extended absence from AEW’s programming, such a move could be seen as understandable from his perspective. This possibility might have influenced Tony Khan’s decision to extend Danhausen’s contract and delay his departure.
It appears that Tony Khan may be strategically preventing Danhausen from leaving AEW prematurely to avoid the risk of negative remarks or criticism about AEW surfacing on WWE programming. The extension effectively limits Danhausen’s ability to publicly criticize AEW while signed. However, it remains uncertain whether AEW plans to actively utilize Danhausen now that his contract has been extended.
Implications for AEW and Future Developments
The decision to retain Danhausen despite his lack of appearances highlights AEW’s cautious approach to managing talent relationships amid high-profile departures and inter-company rivalries. Tony Khan’s move might be aimed at controlling potential damage, especially considering the vocal tensions between CM Punk and AEW since his exit.
As Danhausen’s contract approaches its true expiration next year, attention will likely intensify on whether he remains with AEW or eventually transitions to WWE. The dynamic between these promotions and the personal ties between wrestlers like Danhausen and Punk suggest that the wrestling landscape could see notable shifts in talent and storytelling moving forward.
Overall, Tony Khan retaining Danhausen’s contract serves as a significant indicator of the complex negotiations and strategic decisions unfolding behind the scenes in professional wrestling today.
