In a recent interview with GQ, CM Punk opened up about some memorable moments, including his wildest interaction with a fan, as well as the guidance he has received from wrestling figure Paul Heyman. He recounted an incident when a fan attempted to push an entire Easter basket through his mail slot, prompting Punk to arm himself with a Louisville Slugger and confront the situation with a mix of confusion and disbelief. This unusual fan engagement stands out to him as especially bizarre and disruptive.
Punk also highlighted what he has absorbed from working alongside Heyman. Rather than learning new skills, Heyman’s influence has been a reminder to maintain toughness and refuse to tolerate disrespect in the wrestling industry.
Explaining the “Six Grandfathers” Concept in Wrestling History
Punk shared his reasoning behind using the term “Six Grandfathers” instead of the more commonly known Mount Rushmore analogy for wrestling legends. He described it as a deliberate choice; the original name of the monument before presidential faces were carved, and a concept he believes resonates better within wrestling culture. Punk noted the difficulty of selecting only four top figures, citing how sports comparisons have evolved from the 1960s to the present, making it harder to narrow down all-time greats.
CM Punk’s Top Wrestling Legends and His Picks
When asked to name his personal top six pro wrestlers, Punk placed Bret Hart at the forefront, praising Hart’s consistently high level of all-around performance despite some criticism regarding his mic skills. For Punk, Hart remains a perfect ten in wrestling quality, respected for his authenticity and dedication.
He included Terry Funk, Harley Race, Roddy Piper, and Eddie Guerrero in his list, explaining the challenge in finalizing such a group. Punk acknowledged common contenders like Ric Flair and Shawn Michaels, as well as Dusty Rhodes, whom he admires greatly, stating that Rhodes solidly occupies the sixth spot on his list.
On whether Logan Paul should be considered among the greats, Punk gave credit to Paul’s fast learning and impressive abilities but emphasized his own preference for Dusty Rhodes due to his historical significance within wrestling.
WWE NXT World Champion Oba Femi Maintains Focus Amid Growing Praise
WWE NXT World Champion Oba Femi continues to keep a grounded mindset despite increasing fan and industry hype surrounding his potential. Although many predict Femi is destined to headline WrestleMania someday, he remains concentrated on his current progress rather than looking too far ahead.
In an appearance on the Good Karma Wrestling podcast, Femi reflected on balancing self-perception and external expectations. He stressed the importance of maintaining equilibrium without succumbing to complacency or self-doubt, finding peace in the journey and focusing on daily growth inside the ring.
ECW Veteran Raven Discusses the End of Kayfabe and his Wrestling Roots
During Tony Schiavone’s What Happened When podcast, veteran wrestler Raven examined the decline of kayfabe—the portrayal of wrestling storylines as real—and shared his views with a sense of relief. He celebrated when Vince McMahon publicly admitted wrestling is scripted, marking a pivotal moment in the industry’s evolution that alleviated the pressure of maintaining illusions.
Raven also recounted his early days learning to wrestle, revealing that although he attended Larry Sharp’s Monster Factory, his actual wrestling education came during his time in Portland. He described those two years as among the best of his life, highlighting the importance of that formative period.
CM Punk Jokes About Potentially Ending WWE Comeback at Any Time
On the kickoff show for WWE Wrestlepalooza, CM Punk entertained fans and critics alike by joking about abruptly ending his WWE run, referencing his turbulent past with All Elite Wrestling (AEW). Punk has experienced suspensions and was eventually released after just over two years in AEW, making such remarks resonate with some unease.
Since returning to WWE, Punk has stayed clear of controversy and garnered respect through his work, particularly with NXT talent development. At Wrestlepalooza, Punk teamed up with his wife, AJ Lee, who returned to wrestling for the first time since 2015, to defeat Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch in a widely praised match.
Why CM Punk’s Wrestling Insights Matter Now More Than Ever
CM Punk’s candid reflections and deep knowledge of wrestling history carry significant weight not only due to his storied career but because they come at a time when the wrestling world is undergoing constant change. His willingness to discuss real struggles, fan relations, and the complexities of legacy provides context often missing from the public eye.
Meanwhile, rising stars like Oba Femi demonstrate that new talent strives to learn from those who preceded them while navigating the pressures of rapid acclaim. The industry’s past and future continue to intersect as veterans like Raven offer perspective on how wrestling has evolved, especially through the erosion of traditional elements like kayfabe.
Looking ahead, the wrestling landscape seems poised for more shifts as wrestlers balance authenticity with entertainment, tradition with innovation, and personal challenges with public expectations.
