cv joint question.

I have reciently replaced my rear outer boot.When taking my axle out my freind that previosly owned my machine said just give a good pull and the axle will come out of the rear diff. I had it up on my center lift when I was pulling and poped the joint apart instead when pulling.The whole machine was moving. I remove the boot and joint leaving the basket in the rear replaced my outer boot and reasembled my inner joint.Took a good hit on the end of axle to get it to pop back in.All together and working fine.Has this happened to anyone else.I dont think I pulled hard enough first then I was worried about tearing the inner boot.