Although he enjoyed a 434-day reign as WWE Champion and was one of the most recognizable names in the industry, CM Punk shocked wrestling fans the world over when he left the WWE in 2014, later citing neglect towards his physical health, creative differences and a perceived lack of respect as the major reasons for why he departed for AEW.
After two tumultuous years in AEW, Punk returned to the WWE in late 2023, and in a recent interview with Ringside Collectibles a the San Diego Comic-Con 2024, he explained that if the WWE back then was in the creative state it’s in currently, he would’ve never left in the first place.
“The cool thing about where we’re at as a company right now, creatively speaking,” Punk said, “this is the most fruitful, creative locker room that I think I’ve ever been in where ideas aren’t ignored and shot down, and people are eager to share ideas, you know, so somebody someday could have a brilliant idea that something that I have blinders on and can’t see, and I would be receptive to any of the ideas as long as they’re good.”
Punk added that the difference between being able to give creative input in his current run with the WWE compared to his first stint is night and day.
“Yeah, absolutely,” he continued. “To a point where I almost don’t like talking about it because everyone thinks I’m just like toeing the company line, you know, but I know if this place is the way it was now, I wouldn’t have left 10 years ago. This is the most basic way I can explain it. Really exciting.”
When asked if there was any chance his wife, former WWE superstar AJ Lee might ever return to the WWE alongside him, Punk didn’t make any guarantees.
“I’m the wrong guy to ask those questions about,” Punk explained. “My stance—I know there’s a lot out there of that—but I certainly am not pushing her to do anything. I think she knows that there’s options. I think she sees how happy I am and how things are different.
But if the right situation presented itself, it would have to be a discussion between her and certain people. I don’t necessarily want to be in the middle of that; just because it could get kind of weird. Selfishly, yes, I would love to make out with my wife on television again.”
What do you think of the comments made by CM Punk on the current creative state of the WWE? Do you think Punk is much happier in the WWE now than he was in his first run, despite his injuries? Let us know in the comments.
