Former NXT competitor Cora Jade recently opened up about how CM Punk supported her after her release from WWE, helping her navigate a difficult emotional period. The connection between Jade and Punk, her childhood idol turned mentor, played a crucial role in providing guidance during her time of uncertainty.
How CM Punk Guided Cora Jade Through a Challenging Moment
When Cora Jade faced anxiety and doubts about her future after leaving WWE, she turned to CM Punk for advice. On a recent episode of the Inside the Ring podcast, Jade recounted a moment when she broke down emotionally and reached out to Punk by phone. She believed Punk’s experience of leaving WWE in 2014 and later returning to wrestling gave him valuable insight into her situation.
Jade explained,
“He’s another person I go to for anything. I broke down one day and we had a conversation, me and him on the phone, because I was like, ‘Hey, I need your advice,’ because he’s been through it all. He left WWE for 10 years, hated WWE, said crazy things, and nobody ever thought he was coming back. Look at him now. He’s found his love for wrestling again. He’s helped me with everything, so I always know that I can go to him. But specifically this thing, I was like, ‘I know he’s going to have good insight for me and give me a good outlook on it,’ and he did. He sat there and listened to me. He’ll always listen to me, which I am very grateful for, because I’m someone who, sometimes, I get very passionate, so sometimes I want to act on emotion. He’s very good at helping me see things from a different side without the emotional aspect of it.”
—Cora Jade
By helping Jade adopt a more balanced perspective, Punk encouraged her to prioritize her own well-being, a crucial step in her decision-making process regarding her wrestling career. Jade compared her challenge to Punk’s own exit from WWE in 2014 and acknowledged the lasting impact his mentorship has had on her.
Currently, Jade is on a professional wrestling hiatus for the entire year, with plans possibly extending through 2026. Her experience illustrates how CM Punk supports former WWE stars by not only offering advice but also fostering resilience through shared struggles.
Cora Jade’s Fondness for CM Punk’s Influence
Jade spoke fondly of her admiration for CM Punk growing up, recounting how she would wait for hours just to meet him. She expressed deep gratitude for Punk’s role as a mentor and friend who has advised her on some of life’s most sensitive issues. Their relationship highlights the positive influence Punk has had on her personal and professional development.
Wider Impact: CM Punk as Mentor to Other Wrestling Talents
CM Punk’s mentorship is not exclusive to Cora Jade; several other wrestlers credit him for important guidance throughout their careers. For instance, WWE star Roxanne Perez has openly acknowledged Punk’s impact on refining her in-ring psychology and promotional skills. She affectionately calls Punk her ‘wrestling father’ and AJ Lee her ‘wrestling mother.’ Perez even engaged in a scripted confrontation involving Punk at a WWE Live event, underscoring their complex but respectful connection.
On the independent circuit, Bryan Keith has praised Punk’s advice regarding match pacing and storytelling, which has helped elevate his performances. Similarly, Dakota Kai credits Punk for supporting her mental health and recovery following injury. The consistency of Punk’s willingness to listen and share hard-earned wisdom has been noted by many emerging stars, establishing his legacy beyond his in-ring accomplishments.
This broad mentorship role reinforces how CM Punk supports former WWE stars and other wrestlers by offering guidance that spans mental health, career strategy, and professional growth, reflecting his enduring dedication to the wrestling community.
