All Elite Wrestling (AEW) is set to release its highly anticipated official history book, This Book Is All Elite: The Inside Story of All Elite Wrestling, later this month—and fans can rest easy knowing that two of the company’s most pivotal figures, Cody Rhodes and CM Punk, will not be erased from its pages. Despite rampant speculation online, sources confirm that both stars are prominently featured in the book, though their coverage may not be as in-depth as some might expect.
The Book That Promises an “Inside Story”
AEW’s new book aims to chronicle the rise of the promotion from its grassroots beginnings to its current status as a major player in the wrestling industry. With the release date fast approaching, anticipation has been building among fans eager to learn more about the behind-the-scenes stories, pivotal moments, and key personalities that shaped AEW’s journey.
However, the announcement sparked immediate debate: would AEW omit Cody Rhodes and CM Punk, two men who played crucial roles in the company’s early years but whose exits were anything but amicable?
Cody Rhodes: Co-Founder and Cornerstone
Cody Rhodes, widely regarded as one of AEW’s co-founders and its most visible ambassador in the early days, is mentioned no fewer than 15 times throughout the book. His contributions are highlighted in sections covering the landmark All In event, the first Double or Nothing, the launch of AEW Dynamite, and his influence on the creation and legacy of the TNT Championship.
Rhodes’ feuds with major stars like MJF, Wardlow, Chris Jericho, and Darby Allin are also discussed, as is his eventual departure from the company in 2022. One notable quote from AEW commentator Excalibur is included, reflecting on the company’s identity post-Rhodes: “AEW had to figure out what their identity was going to be without Cody.”
Despite these mentions, the book does not delve into the specifics of Rhodes’ exit, nor does it explore his creative impact in great detail. “It’s clear that Cody’s role is acknowledged, but the book doesn’t go as deep as some fans might have hoped,” said a source close to the project. “There’s a sense that the narrative is being shaped to focus on the company’s evolution rather than individual controversies.”
CM Punk: The Controversial Champion
CM Punk, whose tenure in AEW was marked by both record-breaking success and backstage turmoil, is mentioned at least six times in the book. His reign as AEW World Champion and his role in some of the company’s most talked-about moments are acknowledged, but the infamous “Brawl In” and “Brawl Out” incidents—events that significantly impacted AEW’s backstage culture and ultimately led to Punk’s departure—are notably absent.
“CM Punk’s presence is felt, but the book steers clear of the more controversial aspects of his time in AEW,” said a WWE insider familiar with the situation. “It’s a sanitized version of history, focusing on his contributions without addressing the drama that surrounded his exit.”
The source added, “If you’re looking for a deep dive into the backstage politics or the fallout from Punk’s departure, you won’t find it here. The book seems to be more about celebrating the company’s achievements than airing its dirty laundry.”
No Interviews, But Plenty of Mentions
Neither Cody Rhodes nor CM Punk were interviewed for the book, which means their perspectives are not directly represented. Instead, the narrative relies on accounts from other AEW figures and archival material.
An AEW source emphasized that the book’s intent is to be a comprehensive history, stating, “Joey Janela is featured in it. Miro is in it. If people had a significant part in AEW’s history, they’re in it.” This suggests that while the book may not provide the full, unfiltered story, it does aim to include all major contributors.
The Bigger Picture: What’s Left Out?
While the inclusion of Rhodes and Punk is a relief for many fans, some critics argue that the book downplays their real impact on the company. “Cody Rhodes co-founded AEW and was its most visible face for years,” said Steve Carrier, a wrestling journalist. “CM Punk was one of the biggest draws in the company’s history. To mention them but avoid the deeper issues surrounding their exits feels like a missed opportunity for transparency.”
Carrier noted that the book’s omissions—particularly the lack of discussion around Punk’s controversial exit—raise questions about the level of honesty in the “inside story” narrative. “It’s clear that AEW wants to present a positive, forward-looking image, but that comes at the cost of glossing over some of the more complex chapters in its history.”
What Fans Can Expect
For fans eager to learn more about AEW’s journey, the book promises a wealth of information about the company’s rise, its key moments, and the personalities who helped shape it. Rhodes and Punk are both featured, but their stories are presented in a way that focuses on their contributions rather than their controversies.
“The book is a celebration of AEW’s achievements,” said the AEW source. “It’s not meant to be a tell-all or a deep dive into every backstage issue. It’s about the company’s evolution and the people who made it possible.”
Looking Ahead
As AEW continues to grow and evolve, the release of This Book Is All Elite marks a significant milestone in the company’s history. While it may not provide all the answers fans are looking for, it does offer a glimpse into the journey that brought AEW to where it is today—and confirms that, despite speculation, Cody Rhodes and CM Punk will not be written out of that story.
For now, fans will have to wait for the book’s release to see how AEW chooses to tell its own history—and whether future projects will delve deeper into the more controversial chapters.