Booker T Confirms No Bad Blood with CM Punk After Recent WWE NXT Encounter

CM Punk’s shocking return at the Survivor Series left fans buzzing, especially given his tumultuous history with AEW. Speculation about his relationships within the wrestling community, particularly with Booker T, raised eyebrows, but recent comments from Booker confirm that there’s no bad blood between them.

On a recent episode of the Hall of Fame podcast, WWE Hall of Famer Booker T shared his positive encounter with Punk backstage at NXT. He emphasized that despite past critical remarks about Punk—especially during his time in UFC—there was never any real animosity.

“I don’t know if you guys noticed on Tuesday night NXT, I ran into CM Punk. We had words. The thing is, it was refreshing. Let’s just say that. I know people were tripping when they saw that. The thing is, CM Punk and I never really had any beef. We really never did. I know people really thought that when he was in AEW, but I don’t think CM Punk and I ever really had any beef. Did I say some things about CM Punk, specifically when he was in the UFC? Yeah, I did, but I don’t think I said anything derogatory or mean spirited towards CM Punk at all? Even when he was in AEW, just like say for instance when he made his debut. I said the promo didn’t hit me properly. I said he could’ve did a little bit something, and that’s just constructive criticism. That’s not a knock or anything on CM Punk or anything like that.”

Booker recounted a memorable moment from NXT, where Punk stayed behind after the show to interact with fans. “It was like trying to get The Undertaker to do the spinaroonie,” he joked, highlighting how special that moment was for the audience. He appreciated Punk’s commitment to his fans, calling it an experience they would cherish forever.

“CM Punk did something at NXT this week that was refreshing as well. I wrapped up at the desk right, went to the bathroom, went back, talked to the boys, hung out a little bit in the back, and then I was leaving the arena. I had to walk right back through the arena. When I walked back through, everybody was still in the arena. It was still packed, you know, jammed in there. I was like, What the heck? I thought these people were going home. CM Punk stayed. It was just like trying to get The Undertaker to do the spinaroonie. It was one of those types of deals. It was a moment that the NXT fans were going to get a chance to have for the rest of their lives, to think about that moment for the rest of their lives, you know, hanging out with CM Punk after the show. So I appreciate that.”

Both wrestlers seem to have moved on from any misunderstandings, with Booker stating, “We’re too old to be thinking about beef.” Their casual conversation on a flight earlier in the day reinforced their camaraderie, showcasing a mutual respect that transcends past conflicts.

“CM Punk seems like we’re almost in that same space. We’re too old to be thinking about beef. I swear, I think that’s where we are. We ran into each other on the plane that morning, too. I didn’t even know he was sitting right behind me. We just got to talking, just small talk, but it’s just cool. It’s just cool to still be able to network through people still trying to make something out of nothing, but him and I have grown enough to rise above that and understand what this business truly is all about. At the end of the day, it’s about the journey, it’s about the camaraderie that you make along the way, and hopefully you make some money.”

As for Punk, he’s focused on his future in WWE, gearing up for his upcoming match against Drew McIntyre at the Bad Blood Premium Live Event. With a grateful mindset, he’s ready to embrace the opportunities ahead.

Given the recent positive interactions between CM Punk and Booker T, do you think this newfound camaraderie will influence how fans perceive their past conflicts? How do you feel about the potential for reconciliation in the wrestling community? Share your thoughts in the comments!