Shawn Michaels Opens Up About How CM Punk Operates When Coaching Talent At WWE Performance Center

CM Punk’s return to WWE after a decade-long absence has been monumental for everyone involved. Many fans didn’t expect him to jump back into the fold as enthusiastically as he has, but the stars of tomorrow in NXT are seeing much more of the Second City Saint. Shawn Michaels, in particular, has been closely observing this development.

A year ago, a friendship between CM Punk and Shawn Michaels seemed improbable, yet today, HBK speaks highly of Punk. This shift in attitude comes after Punk has made multiple visits to NXT and the WWE Performance Center.

Since his return in November 2023, CM Punk has made several trips to the Performance Center, working hands-on with NXT’s rising talent. He even appeared at NXT Deadline and is set to be featured on the October 1st episode of NXT, marking the show’s debut on The CW.

During an interview on Good Karma Wrestling, Shawn Michaels discussed CM Punk’s impact on the NXT roster. HBK highlighted how valuable it is to have Punk in NXT at this stage in his career, as Punk is eager to share his knowledge and experience with the next generation, fully aware of how fortunate he is to be in this position.

“I think the fact that he supports us is huge. I think the great thing is, he’s like a lot of us, he’s come to a point in his career where he recognizes, you know, just how great this job has been and how great this industry has been to him. You do you begin then to learn that you’d like to pass that on. So when he comes down, he’s always very supportive, is helpful. But what I appreciate most about him is that he always checks with our coaches, checks with me again, making sure that we’re all on a unified front. As you know, and pushing the same agenda, or same direction.”

“I think that’s something that you can never beat, a guy that right now in this moment, a living, breathing, you know, global superstar like CM Punk, coming back and interacting with young talent because he’s everything they want to be. So that’s always going to be a positive because they see me every day. I am so not special around here. It doesn’t even matter.”

“So it’s very beneficial for us when a CM Punk or a Cody Rhodes or a Drew McIntyre or a Seth Rollins comes down here and visits us because now they can talk to the guys that are firsthand doing it and letting them know what it is they need to experience.”

Although he isn’t a constant presence in NXT, CM Punk will make a return for the brand’s CW debut in Chicago. This will likely give fans in the Windy City an opportunity to shower him with an incredible response, but where things go from there remains uncertain.

CM Punk’s current journey in WWE took a surprising twist during the September 2 episode of RAW. Drew McIntyre shattered Punk’s treasured bracelet in the middle of the ring following a brutal ambush. This attack came just after Punk declared his desire for a shot at GUNTHER’s WWE World Heavyweight Championship.

WWE seems to be relishing CM Punk’s latest run, and Punk himself appears to be enjoying every moment. While only time will tell what’s next for Punk’s in-ring career, one thing is certain, because Shawn Michaels would likely welcome him at the WWE Performance Center.

What’s your take on CM Punk’s return to WWE and how much he’s been around NXT? Do you think that CM Punk would be a great PC coach when the time comes? Let us know what you think in the comments section!