CM Punk recently shared his thoughts on how changes in WWE’s pay structure have influenced the locker room dynamics. During an interview on the Mostly Wrestling podcast, he reflected on the contrast between his first time as world champion and his current reign. Back then, Punk felt the need to prove he deserved the title, driven by the competitive nature of the locker room. He explained that wrestlers were highly motivated to be in the main event since their pay depended on their position on the card.
Punk said, “The business has fundamentally changed. When I initially signed and debuted, it was a different environment, and when I returned, it had evolved even more. The title used to mean a bigger paycheck, but that’s no longer the case.”
Discussing the good and bad aspects of these changes, Punk compared the old locker room to a high school filled with tough individuals. Nowadays, he perceives the atmosphere as more professional, where talented wrestlers can genuinely celebrate each other’s successes. The 47-year-old pointed out that while competition still exists, everyone now earns a fixed amount regardless of their spot in the show. This shift allows him to focus less on the event’s placement and more on enjoying the evening.
He added, “There are pros and cons. It’s positive that everyone earns more nowadays. Historically, salaries were tied to ticket sales and being in the main event meant higher pay. Now everyone gets paid more equally, which is good for the wrestlers. But I feel the drive isn’t the same—I used to aim for the main event because of the money. Now, even if I’m the opener, I give my all and then can relax and enjoy the show.”
In a separate segment, Punk also shared his views on John Cena being labeled the greatest of all time.
Fan Take: This insight from CM Punk highlights a significant shift in WWE’s culture and financial structure, underscoring how the business is evolving with the times. For fans, it’s a reminder that while the competition may look less intense behind the scenes, the focus on talent and storytelling could lead to a stronger overall product in the ring.
