AEWs upcoming release, This Book Is All Elite: The Inside Story of All Elite Wrestling, skips over major contributions from two of the most influential figures in the companys history Cody Rhodes and CM Punk.
According to Fightful Select, Cody Rhodes is mentioned around 15 times throughout the book, with brief references to his role in All In, Double or Nothing, the TNT Championship, and early feuds with names like MJF, Wardlow, and Chris Jericho. But despite co-founding the company and being one of its most visible faces in the early years, the book avoids any deep look into Rhodes creative impact or the circumstances of his exit.
CM Punks coverage is even thinner. Despite being one of AEWs biggest draws and responsible for some of the promotions most talked-about moments, his presence in the book is limited to a few general references. Notably, theres no mention at all of the Brawl In or Brawl Out incidents moments that defined AEWs backstage culture and Punks eventual departure. The omission raises serious questions about transparency, especially for a book claiming to tell the inside story.
But what really exposes the agenda is what comes after. Both Cody Rhodes and CM Punk didnt just walk away they jumped ship and made headline-grabbing returns to WWE. Cody shocked the world when he showed up at WrestleMania 38, instantly slotted as a top guy and later capturing the Undisputed WWE Championship. Punk, after torching bridges in AEW, pulled off the unthinkable by returning at Survivor Series 2023 and WWE cashed in big. These werent quiet exits they were seismic shifts in pro wrestling. And yet, AEWs book conveniently ignores every bit of it.
While sources within AEW mentioned that anyone who played a key role is included listing Joey Janela and Miro among them the lack of meaningful content about Rhodes and Punk suggests a selective approach to storytelling. Neither man was interviewed for the book, a decision that further signals AEWs focus may have been less about accuracy and more about controlling how their story is told.
Whether by design or omission, the book comes off less as a complete historical account and more like a sanitized version of AEWs past, one that leaves out the messiest and arguably most important parts of its journey.
Are you surprised that AEW downplayed Cody Rhodes and CM Punks roles in shaping the company? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.
