CM Punk has directly confronted the ongoing criticism branding him as a ‘part timer’ since his return to WWE, rejecting the notion that it accurately reflects his current involvement. Speaking recently on Notsam Wrestling, Punk emphasized that unlike before, his participation in shows is a personal choice rather than a requirement, which sets him apart from earlier parts of his career. He also insisted that he remains actively engaged in WWE events far more than fans and commentators realize.
Punk Highlights Voluntary Commitment and Active Schedule
Addressing the backlash head-on, Punk openly mocked the persistent ‘gotcha’ attitude towards his situation. He pointed out that fans and critics fixate on his return as hypocritical, quoting,
“You know what they do with me? Like, everything’s a gotcha. ‘He said he hated part timers. Look at him. He’s a part timer now,’”
to demonstrate how his critics focus more on labels than facts. Punk clarified that he chooses to appear at every event whenever travel logistics allow it, stating,
“I elect to be on every single show, if the travels allows it.”
Participation in WWE Holiday Tour as Proof of Dedication
To reinforce his argument, Punk mentioned his involvement with WWE’s recent non-televised holiday tour, commonly called the Christmas loop. He described the experience as a nostalgic nod to an older wrestling era, highlighting the personal enjoyment he finds in the rigorous travel and live fan interactions of these events. Punk said,
“We just did a Christmas loop. Like Christmas loop is fun. Harkens back to the old school days, where I can get on the road, get in the car, drive to the next town,”
adding,
“I’m on my own clock. I get to see the fans.”
Personal Reflections on AJ Lee’s Return and Shared Legacy
Beyond the workload debate, Punk shared a heartfelt reflection about the recent WWE return of his wife, AJ Lee. He revealed that his pride during her appearance on WWE programming stems from years of mutual effort, emphasizing how their joint history is finally getting proper recognition. Punk connected his professional achievements with their personal journey, saying,
“To me, all of that was showcasing like, this is you coming back to sit under the shade of trees that you planted 12 years ago.”
Acceptance of Legacy Amid Ongoing Criticism
While Punk acknowledged that some voices continue to minimize the impact he and AJ Lee have had within the wrestling community, he conveyed a sense of calm acceptance regarding his legacy. He noted,
“I feel like that a little bit… and I’m at the point now where I’m just like, all right, man… I’ll be over here doing my thing,”
reflecting a mindset focused on moving forward regardless of detractors.
Viewing Attention as a Benefit to WWE’s Business
Ultimately, Punk regards the constant scrutiny and conversation surrounding his role as beneficial to WWE. He concluded by highlighting the unavoidable nature of the discussion and how it serves the company’s interests, stating,
“Here’s the thing, they’re talking about me, right? Constantly,”
and adding, “It’s good for business.”
