CM Punk has recently shed light on his decision to return to WWE after an absence of nearly ten years. Having left the company on sour terms in 2014, the 45-year-old wrestler finally made his much-anticipated comeback last November at Survivor Series: WarGames Premium Live Event. Since then, he has inked an exclusive contract with Monday Night RAW and even participated in the 2024 Men’s Royal Rumble match.
In a recent interview, Punk delved into the reasons behind his return, citing the passage of time and a shift in leadership within the company as pivotal factors.
“Time heals all wounds,” Punk remarked, emphasizing that “different people are in charge now.” He reflected on his extensive tenure in wrestling, noting the toll it took on him physically and mentally.
“I think it’s just time. Timing is everything. You know, I wrestled for a very long time before I signed a WWE contract and I was on the road for 10 years, zero time off. That takes its toll, you know. And I think one of the things that I never did before was try to balance everything out. And I think a lot of fighters, a lot of wrestlers do that. You know, balance is kind of key but when you’re young and you wanna go and you have to take every opportunity that comes your way, you can’t say no, and then after a while, you burn out,” he said.
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Punk’s journey back to WWE hasn’t been without setbacks, as he recently suffered a torn tricep during an encounter with Drew McIntyre at the WWE Royal Rumble Premium Live Event. However, Punk remains optimistic about his recovery, aiming to return to the ring in six to eight months.
“We’re looking at maybe 6-8 months, but my priority is to focus on getting healthy and improving,” Punk explained. “I’ll take my time to come back stronger than ever.”
Looking ahead, Punk teased a potential showdown with McIntyre upon his return, as tensions between the two former champions escalate.
As CM Punk navigates his comeback journey, fans eagerly anticipate his return to the squared circle and the potential rivalries that await him in the WWE universe.