CM Punk’s return to WWE in 2023 contrasts sharply with his controversial departure from the company a decade ago. Although many, including Punk himself, suggest that the “Chicago-made” star has matured and improved, some WWE veterans remain skeptical.
Maven Huffman, on his YouTube channel, recently reviewed episodes of WWE Unreal and discussed Punk’s segments in a new series. During his review, Maven expressed that Punk hasn’t brought as much change as people might expect, whether it be from Punk himself, the fans, or WWE.
He remarked, “The new, new, improved, lighter side of Punk claims that Hunter heard it on the phone, or met him in person and said, ‘Hey, let’s give him another shot.’” Maven’s view is that Punk hasn’t significantly changed for the better, but for those familiar with the Tough Enough alumni, that might not be a negative.
He added, “It’s the same guy, but I didn’t think the guy had to change anyway.”
Despite Maven’s perspective, multiple reports suggest that Punk is performing at a much higher level now and is actively helping other talents grow. Some were hesitant to bring him back, especially after his time with AEW ended, but Punk has shown reliability within WWE. Currently, Punk appears regularly on WWE Raw, engaged in a heated rivalry with Seth Rollins. Whether he can fully overcome skepticism remains to be seen.
Fan Take: This news is significant for WWE fans because it highlights Punk’s evolution and ongoing impact in the wrestling world. His ability to rise above past controversies and mentor new talent could greatly influence WWE’s future storytelling and in-ring caliber.
