CM Punk, the World Heavyweight Champion, has explained his reasons for turning down the chance to appear in the second season of the Netflix docuseries WWE: Unreal, a reveal that has drawn attention just as the series prepares for its January 20 release. During a candid discussion on the Notsam Wrestling podcast, Punk offered insight into why he declined involvement, expressing reservations about the project and citing discomfort with constant filming, a stance that underscores the CM Punk WWE Unreal refusal.
Why CM Punk Chose Not to Participate
As anticipation builds around WWE: Unreal Season 2, CM Punk opened up about his lack of enthusiasm for the series and his decision to avoid participating in interview segments requested by the show’s producers. Sharing his experience, Punk stated,
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I know they’re asking me to do an interview for it… and I kept saying, ‘no, no, I’m not gonna be [there],’
”
— CM Punk, World Heavyweight Champion. He recounted how, despite repeated invitations, he never appeared for the interview. This resistance means viewers may not see him in formal sit-downs, although with cameras often filming backstage, he acknowledged spontaneous appearances are still likely.
Punk’s Approach to On-Camera Appearances
Punk also clarified that when he prefers not to be filmed, he simply avoids areas where cameras are set up or requests not to be shot in those moments. His conscious effort to remove himself from scenes underscores how he maintains boundaries despite the ever-present possibility of candid filming within WWE environments.
Appreciation for WWE Unreal’s First Season
Despite refusing to contribute directly to the current season, Punk voiced support for the initial installment of WWE: Unreal. He emphasized its role in presenting prominent wrestlers, such as Charlotte Flair and Rhea Ripley, in a humanizing way.
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I watched the first season, and I really, really liked it, because I thought it kind of brought a human element to like Charlotte [Flair] or Rhea [Ripley], or even me, to an extent,
”
— CM Punk, World Heavyweight Champion. Recognizing how the show enabled fans to see a different side of performers, Punk applauded this aspect even as he remains absent from the second season’s production.
CM Punk on Critics and Audience Choices
Punk was unsparing in his comments toward critics who express dissatisfaction with the series but continue to follow it.
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Nobody’s got a gun to your head, right? You don’t got to watch it,
”
— CM Punk, World Heavyweight Champion. He added,
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Why are you commenting? ‘I hate this. I hate this so much. Tomorrow I’m gonna review season two.’ Don’t.
”
— CM Punk, World Heavyweight Champion. His remarks highlight frustration with negative commentary from viewers who nevertheless engage with the show.
With the upcoming season still poised for release, CM Punk’s decision not to participate draws focus on the personal boundaries some wrestlers choose to set amid ongoing public scrutiny. His openness about these limits, and his nuanced appreciation for what WWE: Unreal achieved in its debut, reflect ongoing tensions between the demands of celebrity and the need for privacy in the world of professional wrestling. The perspectives of stars like Punk, Charlotte Flair, and Rhea Ripley will likely continue to shape fan conversations around new episodes and the portrayal of wrestling personalities on streaming platforms.
