CM Punk made his comeback to WWE in November 2023 after being away from the wrestling giant for nearly ten years. In an interview with TV Insider’s Scott Fishman, Punk shared how his mindset has shifted compared to his earlier “commercial punk” persona.
He explained, “I’m no longer fighting for territory. Early in my career, I was always battling for how I believed things should be done, but now my role is completely established.”
Previously, Punk’s insistence on doing things his way caused friction during his WWE tenure, but that dynamic has changed. Today, he lets his achievements speak for themselves and is confident in his contributions.
Punk also described feeling somewhat unusual calling himself a “living legend,” acknowledging his long career at 46 years old.
A key figure in this renewed chapter of Punk’s WWE journey is Paul “Triple H” Levesque. The two had long-standing issues, but their mutual growth in attitude made Punk’s return possible.
“There’s a deeper understanding between me and Triple H now. I’ve gained a perspective I lacked before,” Punk said. “When we were both on the main roster, our talent made us competitors, and the environment was more hostile. Today, we are aligned.”
Punk’s matured outlook allows him to stay in WWE peacefully, a stark difference from his turbulent days in All Elite Wrestling and the challenges of his final year. He is now focused on letting his work stand on its own, which he describes as “a pretty good thing!”
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Fan Take: CM Punk’s return and evolved attitude are huge for WWE fans, signaling a new era where rivalry turns into collaboration. This shift not only uplifts his legacy but also promises exciting, drama-free storytelling that could elevate the sport as a whole.
