CM Punk supports former WWE superstar Cora Jade during a challenging period in her life, offering guidance that helped her make a difficult decision about her wrestling career. The interaction, which took place earlier this year after Jade’s departure from WWE, highlights Punk’s role as a mentor within the wrestling community.
Cora Jade, whose real name is Elayna Black, was released by WWE earlier in 2023 and briefly competed in TNA and on the independent circuit before choosing to step away from wrestling to prioritize her mental health. This decision was not straightforward for Jade, who struggled with fear of disappointing fans and promoters. During a recent appearance on TMZ Sports’ Inside the Ring podcast, she disclosed how CM Punk provided crucial advice that influenced her choice.
How CM Punk Offered Crucial Guidance to Cora Jade
The former WWE Champion, known as The Second City Saint, has earned respect as a mentor for many wrestlers, especially during his involvement with NXT talent. He has personally regarded Jade as his “wrestling daughter” and stepped in to support her amid her internal conflict.
Jade explained how she felt scared about taking a break from wrestling because she worried about letting fans down and facing backlash from promoters who had already booked appearances for her. When she reached out to CM Punk for advice, their conversation gave her reassurance.
“He’s (CM Punk) another person I go to for anything. He’s one of the people that, honestly, because I told you I was going back and forth for a few weeks. I was just scared. I knew I needed to take a break,” she said. —Cora Jade, Former WWE Talent
Jade recalled breaking down during their call and asking Punk for guidance, knowing he had personally endured a complicated departure from WWE and a decade-long absence from the company.
“I broke down one day and we had a conversation, me and him on the phone, because I was like, he ‘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[…]So many things that he said to me in that conversation really helped me. He told me, like, I don’t owe anybody anything, and I don’t have to stick in something that’s no longer serving me, and that really stuck with me,” she mentioned. —Cora Jade, Former WWE Talent
Through this dialogue, Punk helped Jade shift her focus away from the fears of judgment and toward her own well-being. Jade described having him as a friend during that period as “really cool,” emphasizing the positive impact of his support.
Recent Incident Involving CM Punk and Roxanne Perez in Manchester
Shortly before these revelations, CM Punk experienced an on-ring moment involving another wrestler he considers his “daughter,” Roxanne Perez. At a live event in Manchester, UK, Punk partnered with Sami Zayn and Penta to face the team of Finn Balor, JD McDonagh, and Dominik Mysterio, members of The Judgment Day faction.
During the match, Roxanne Perez unexpectedly entered the ring and delivered a Pop Rox move to Punk. Despite the surprise attack, Punk and his partners ultimately won the contest. Perez shared the clip of her move on social media, tagging AJ Lee, who is Punk’s wife and Perez’s wrestling mentor.
The Continuing Role of CM Punk as a Mentor
CM Punk’s involvement in helping Cora Jade and maintaining close wrestling relationships such as those with Roxanne Perez reinforces his significance as a mentor figure in the wrestling world. His willingness to offer honest advice and emotional support has had a lasting effect on young wrestlers navigating their careers.
This dynamic serves as a reminder of the importance of mentorship in a high-pressure environment like professional wrestling, where decisions about career changes and personal health can be overwhelming. Punk’s experience with WWE, including his notable absence and subsequent return, adds weight to his counsel, making his support invaluable to talents like Jade.
As Cora Jade focuses on her mental health and takes a necessary break from wrestling, the guidance from CM Punk will likely continue to influence her future decisions. His support not only helped her through a crucial crisis but also highlighted the broader support network present in the wrestling community.
