CM Punk recently spoke about the chance of adopting a WWE heel turn, revealing that it may not happen anytime soon despite his past success in that role. Known for his ability to draw strong reactions from the audience, Punk has alternated between being a villain and a hero throughout his wrestling career.
From 2006 until his departure in early 2014, Punk delivered memorable performances as both a babyface and a heel during his initial WWE run. His tenure in Ring of Honor (ROH) also involved extensive time portraying a heel, where his skills on the microphone made him one of wrestling’s standout antagonists.
The Skills Behind CM Punk’s Heel Persona
To play a villain effectively in pro wrestling, charisma and promo skills are essential, qualities that Punk possesses in abundance. Whether feuding with top stars like Jeff Hardy, The Undertaker, John Cena, or Ryback, Punk consistently showed how to provoke strong emotions and boos from fans, cementing his reputation as a top heel in the industry.
Since his return to WWE at Survivor Series 2023 following nearly a decade away, Punk has mainly played a heroic character. His ongoing rivalries with Drew McIntyre and Seth Rollins have positioned him against some of today’s best heels, underscoring his role as a babyface once again.
Why CM Punk Is Reluctant to Become a Heel Again
On the podcast Pardon My Take, CM Punk explained why a WWE heel turn may not be in his immediate future. He emphasized the connection he currently shares with fans and how that affects the potential reaction to a villainous character shift.
“It’s interesting. A lot of people are always like, ‘Oh, you’re a much better heel than you are a babyface.’ Okay—like, I get that. I feel that. It’s just a lot easier to get people to hate you than it is to get people to truly love you. And I’m in this space now where I don’t know if I’m ever going to be a bad guy again, ’cause it seems I’ve kind of leveled up. I’ve reached this point where, like, a lot of it’s nostalgia, and a lot of it is, I think, how hard I work and how I still can compete at that super high level.”
His comments suggest a strong bond with the audience fueled by respect and nostalgia, as well as pride in maintaining his in-ring abilities. These factors have contributed to his hesitation about returning to a villainous role anytime soon.
Wrestling’s Unpredictable Nature Leaves Door Open for Change
Despite his current stance, the unpredictable nature of professional wrestling means that even fan favorites can switch allegiances unexpectedly. CM Punk’s popularity does not rule out a possible heel turn in the future, as storylines and character development often pivot based on crowd response and creative directions.
As of now, Punk is scheduled to team up with his wife, AJ Lee, to face Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch in a tag team match set for Saturday, September 20th, at Wrestlepalooza. This high-profile encounter further emphasizes his ongoing role as a hero working alongside other beloved talents.
Additional Wrestling Updates to Watch
Elsewhere in the wrestling world, Mercedes Mone is preparing for an active schedule ahead with her announced return to CMLL. Meanwhile, LA Knight made a striking impression on WWE RAW by finishing the show with a decisive move against Jey Uso. Fans remain uncertain whether WWE’s hinted signing of a major TNA star was intentional or a slip.
Controversy has arisen around Triple H’s booking choices for a 14-time WWE World Champion, drawing criticism from a WWE legend dissatisfied with recent creative decisions. In addition, Matt Hardy has expressed interest in partnering with an overlooked WWE tag team for an upcoming event.
In discussions about returns, a 4-time WWE Champion recently dismissed speculation about coming back. Fans also learned more about Stephanie Vaquer’s past struggles, including selling hotdogs just to watch her wrestling hero perform.
Finally, interest grows for a potential dream match as a current WWE star publicly teased facing off against Rhea Ripley, igniting excitement among supporters eager to see this showdown in the future.
