CM Punk Speaks Out On Wrestling Burnout, Redemption, and Return to Pro Wrestling

CM Punk’s return to WWE at Survivor Series 2023 sent shockwaves through the wrestling world, marking a monumental comeback nearly a decade after his controversial departure from the company.

Punk’s journey during those ten years away from WWE included ventures into the UFC, a stint as part of the FOXSports 1 studio show WWE Backstage, and a return to wrestling with AEW. However, in a recent interview with UFC on TNT Sports at UFC 298, Punk opened up about his decision to return and reflected on the passage of time.

“I think it’s just time. Timing is everything,” Punk stated when asked about the itch to return. “I wrestled for a very long time before I signed a WWE contract. I was on the road for ten years, zero time off. That takes its toll. I think one of the things that I never did before was try to balance everything out. I think a lot of fighters, a lot of wrestlers do that. 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.”

Punk continued, delving into the challenges he faced earlier in his career that ultimately led to his departure from WWE.

“Then after a while, you burn out. So I burnt out 10 years ago. I left. I did some other things. I got to do a lot of cool other stuff and then time heals all wounds. You slowly start to realize that a lot of the stuff that happened 10 years ago doesn’t matter. Different people come and go. Different people are in charge now. Maybe I can go back and it kind of fits like an old slipper. It’s good to be back and I’m super happy it happened. The way I came back and how big it’s been never could have been what it was without all the other crap. That’s just life. I woke up this morning, so it’s a good day.”

However, Punk’s return to the wrestling world has not been without its challenges. Following an altercation with Jack Perry backstage at AEW All In, Punk was fired from the promotion. This incident came after a suspension the year prior due to a backstage altercation with Kenny Omega and The Young Bucks at AEW All Out 2022.

Currently sidelined with a triceps injury, Punk remains optimistic about his future in wrestling. He hopes to make a return to the ring within the next six to eight months, eager to continue his journey in the ever-evolving world of professional wrestling.

As Punk looks ahead to the next chapter of his career, fans eagerly await the return of one of wrestling’s most enigmatic figures.

Are you looking forward to CM Punk recovering from his injury and getting back into the mix? Let us know in the comments.