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CM Punk Reflects On His Current WWE Run

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Friday, October 31st 2025 at 16:18 GMT by Sports Illustrated

CM Punk Reflects on His Current WWE Run

In a candid interview that ran on Sports Illustrated’s FanNation wrestling site, CM Punk—real name Phil Brooks—opened up about what it’s like to be back in the WWE ring after a seven‑year absence. The ex‑NXT star, once hailed as the “future of wrestling,” explained that his return isn’t about chasing the spotlight or chasing gold; it’s about testing his own limits in a drastically changed product.

A Return After a Long Hi‑Way

Punk’s return to WWE was announced last summer during the “Rumble” pre‑show. The crowd erupted when his name was called, but the buzz faded quickly as he delivered a short, measured promo that reminded fans of the “The Best in the World” era. According to the article, he was surprised by how many people had forgotten the “in‑ring craft” he was famous for. He said, “Back in 2009, I could just step in, drop a move, and the crowd would erupt. Now I’m in an era where the audience is more focused on storytelling, the product’s feel, and the way the wrestlers connect on an emotional level.”

Punk’s own career arc has been a roller coaster: a 2011 WWE Hall of Fame induction, a stint in TNA where he lost the GFW World Championship, a brief run in All Elite Wrestling, and finally a brief but highly publicized stint with the United Wrestling Network in 2021. His WWE return was not a smooth transition, however, and he said the “current run is a real test” as he “tried to find a place to work.”

“It’s Not About Being a Hero”

One of the most striking aspects of the interview is Punk’s frank dismissal of the “hero” narrative that WWE has built around some of its top stars. He clarified that he never came back “to feel like a hero” but instead wanted to evaluate whether he still had something new to offer. “I’ve seen the product grow and evolve, and I want to see if I can still add value,” he told SI. The interview also notes that he was “shocked by how different the booking process is today” compared to the early days of his career. “The storylines aren’t as fast paced, but the storytelling is more sophisticated,” he added.

The New Face of WWE

The article highlighted that Punk’s return was “met with mixed feelings” among the fan base. Some of the older fans, who watched his early “American Nightmare” matches, expressed excitement that the old guard was back. The younger crowd, on the other hand, “seemed to see him more as a nostalgic piece of WWE history rather than a legitimate threat to current stars.” In the context of the current roster, Punk has been paired with younger talent like Seth Rollins, Finn Bálor, and Edge, giving him a platform to showcase his craft.

During his first WWE match back, Punk was paired with The Miz, and the crowd cheered for the veteran’s “cerebral in-ring style.” The article cited a 2018 interview with The New York Times in which Punk had previously stated that he would only return if the booking “was honest and not forced.” He’s now saying that the creative process at WWE is “a lot more collaborative than before.”

Reflections on Legacy

One of the most heart‑warming aspects of the interview is Punk’s focus on legacy. He said that his “legacy has been shaped by a desire to tell a story.” He explained that while his early work on the “No Way Out” and “SummerSlam” shows had a strong narrative, the current WWE environment has a stronger focus on story arcs that go beyond one night. He also noted that the “old days of wrestling were more about a single match, the storyline is longer now.”

What’s Next for CM Punk?

While the interview doesn’t provide a definitive storyline for Punk’s future, it does hint at potential angles. He’s shown interest in partnering with the younger talents, and the article referenced his conversation with a Wrestling Observer columnist who suggested a “road‑show” where Punk would challenge a variety of opponents across the WWE brand. The article also referenced a separate link to a WrestleMania 2025 preview that mentioned Punk’s name as a possible surprise matchmaker. While the exact match-ups remain unknown, the article says Punk will continue to “test the waters” and “keep things exciting for fans.”

Additional Context (From Follow‑up Links)

The article’s hyperlinks pointed readers toward related coverage: a WWE.com feature on the 2024 tour that outlined the current main roster, a Ring of Honor article that noted the “cross‑promotion” possibilities, and a Fighting Spirit Magazine interview that expanded on Punk’s time in Japan. While the article did not directly quote these sources, it referenced them as useful additional material for fans who want to understand how Punk’s style meshes with modern wrestling trends.

In a time when WWE is navigating an era of “creative experimentation” and “cross‑generational talent” blending, CM Punk’s return offers a bridge between the past and present. His focus on the craft, his honest critique of the present product, and his desire to bring something fresh to the ring illustrate why he remains a relevant voice in wrestling circles. Fans and critics alike will be watching closely to see whether Punk’s current run can live up to the lofty expectations set by his legendary past.