CM Punk, the current World Heavyweight Champion, has voiced his frustration with the constant inquiry about his retirement as he nears a 30-year career in professional wrestling. In an exclusive interview at WWE HQ in Stamford, Connecticut, during WWE 2K26 Creatorfest, Punk expressed admiration for fellow wrestler Rey Mysterio, who seldom faces retirement questions despite his longevity in the sport.
Punk debuted in wrestling in 1997 and, after stepping away in 2014, returned in recent years with a renewed drive. Reflecting on Mysterio’s enduring presence, Punk shared,
“Oh, hey, when you’re gonna retire?”
and noted,
“I get it every other question, ‘Hey, when are you gonna retire?’ It’s like, well, slow down!”
He emphasized how Mysterio’s timeless career motivates him to keep competing, saying,
“Like I look at a guy like Rey and he’s timeless, and he inspires me to put my boots on and keep going.”
The Bond Between Punk and Rey Mysterio Through Their Wrestling Journey
Punk recalled his early days working with Mysterio on the independent wrestling scene in 2002, where they shared the ring with the late Eddie Guerrero in a Triple Threat Match. Eddie’s passing had a profound effect on Punk, strengthening his bonds with fellow wrestlers, especially Rey. He explained the rarity of such connections, stating these relationships are “few and far between.”
Each meeting between Punk and Mysterio becomes a moment of reflection. Punk said,
“Man, look at us. Can you believe we’re still here, still doing it?”
highlighting the importance of cherishing these experiences and the people who share them.
“We share feelings, and we share moments, and it’s important to do that, everybody. You need to grab the people that you love, and you need to tell them,”
he urged.
Exploring What-If Scenarios in WWE 2K26 Featuring Punk’s Career
Fans of CM Punk can relive his finest moments through WWE 2K26’s Showcase mode, which includes historic matches and fantasy matchups that never happened in WWE, such as a one-on-one bout against Eddie Guerrero. Punk joked about such hypothetical matches, stating,
“He probably would have whipped my *ss. Eddie was always Eddie,”
and expressed enthusiasm for the game’s “What Ifs?” concept, which offers fans imaginative matchups beyond reality.
When asked about the prospect of wrestling Eddie if he were still alive, Punk responded thoughtfully:
“It’s a fun thought, it’s comforting,”
but added,
“If Eddie was still here, the last thing I would want to do is work with him. I’d just want to get a meal with him, something a little more heartfelt.”
He clarified that he prefers to focus on the future rather than dwell on the past.
Upcoming WrestleMania Main Event and Punk’s Feud With Roman Reigns
Looking ahead, Punk is preparing for a WrestleMania main event clash with Roman Reigns. Reigns has made cutting remarks about Punk’s long break from wrestling before his return in 2023, which Punk has addressed with resilience. He said,
“At this stage, if you have thin skin, I don’t think you would have made it to this stage,”
acknowledging the blurred lines between storyline and real emotions in professional wrestling.
Punk explained the necessity of strong emotions in entertaining fans, noting,
“You gotta realise that to entertain people, you gotta say and do things that would sometimes just entertain yourself.”
He acknowledged that when wrestlers find substance in certain disputes, the audience likely feels the same, making his feud with Reigns more intense than just a championship rivalry.
With a smile, Punk described the personal nature of the conflict:
“[The championship is] important to me and it’s important to him, but there’s so much more when it’s personal. This is very personal. I’m sure it’s probably going to get more wildly personal whenever he decides to show up to work.”
Punk’s Perspective on His Past Hiatus and Future in Wrestling
WWE 2K26 also features alternate scenarios in its Showcase mode, imagining how Punk’s career might’ve progressed if he had never left WWE. Addressing this, he admitted with humor, “Oh, I’d be dead,” alluding to the exhausting demands of constant wrestling.
“We don’t gotta get into the particulars, but I won’t mince words about that. I needed to get off the hamster wheel,”
Punk revealed candidly.
Despite the challenges, Punk is enthusiastic about his wrestling comeback and does not plan to retire anytime soon.
“I love the fact that I’m back and looking forward to the future,”
he said. Drawing inspiration from hockey legend Gordie Howe, who played professionally until age 52, Punk expressed his ambition:
“I try not to put a time limit. I try to never say never anymore, until I’m known as Mr Wrestling.”
WWE 2K26 Release and Continued Relevance of CM Punk
WWE 2K26, featuring CM Punk on the cover, is set for release on March 13, with early launch versions including the Attitude Era, Monday Night War, and King of Kings editions available from March 6. The game allows fans to explore both historic and imaginative matches, underscoring Punk’s enduring impact on professional wrestling culture.
As Punk nears three decades in the industry, his reflections on career longevity, personal relationships, and the passion that fuels him illustrate why he remains a significant figure in wrestling. His refusal to be defined by retirement questions and his commitment to forging ahead highlight the resilience required to thrive in such a demanding sport.
