CV Axle won't cone out.

Driver's side CV Axle was groaning loudly on turns and clunking.
Bought a brand new (not re-manufactured) one.

Go to remove it, it won't come out. It will slide in and out a bit, but once that circlip hits the edge, it stops.

Tried a slide hammer, long pry bar, etc, nothing would pop it out. I gave up because I was worried I would damage something internal. I have a bad feeling I ripped the oil seal on the shaft.

I've repaired my own cars since I was 13. But this honestly had me beat. So I used my AAA and had it towed to a shop.