Three-time World Champion EC3 discussed Vince McMahon‘s unusual interaction with CM Punk in 2018, labeling it a “power play” that remains baffling. The incident, which involved a handshake agreement that quickly dissolved, has drawn attention for the strange manner in which McMahon appeared to ghost Punk.
The Strange 2018 Exchange Between CM Punk and Vince McMahon
During a recent episode of The Wrestling Outlaws, host Dr. Chris Featherstone spoke with former <a href="https://cynicaltimes.org/category/wrestling-news/wwe/”>WWE writer Vince Russo and EC3 about a strange meeting between CM Punk and Vince McMahon that took place roughly five to six years ago. At that time, Punk seemed to be ignored or “ghosted” by McMahon after what appeared to be a handshake deal. EC3 expressed his disbelief about McMahon’s behavior and speculated on the reasoning behind it.
EC3 offered insight into this puzzling situation, suggesting it was a calculated move by McMahon to assert authority and respond to Punk’s 2014 WWE departure. He remarked:
“We cannot comprehend the thoughts that this man [Vince McMahon] has had. That’s why he was so successful and that’s [also] why the downfall was so chaotic. No idea, no idea, don’t understand the dynamics one bit, I don’t think I ever would [understand]. Unless, of course, it’s that that wild power play, like, ‘Haha! He thought we had a deal!’ Vince Russo will tell you, he’s the kind of guy, though, when you shake hands, like to him, that’s a very big thing.” —EC3, Former WWE/NWA Champion
Breaking Down the Handshake Agreement and Subsequent Ghosting
The meeting itself reportedly took place at the Borgata casino in Atlantic City in either 2018 or 2019. CM Punk later described this encounter in interviews as both “hilarious” and secretive. He explained that McMahon intended to bypass intermediaries, leading to direct contact, but the agreement quickly unraveled when McMahon stopped responding.
In one detailed account by Punk, he recounted the interaction:
“He [McMahon] was like, ‘Hey! I’m eliminating the middleman,’ and I was just like, ‘This is insane,’ and it just so happened that, ‘Oh, well, I’m gonna be here.’ ‘Alright, we can get there.’ You know, ‘Okay, alright’ and we had a meeting and we had a handshake agreement and then he ghosted me. So, that’s why it didn’t happen. Unbelievable. I’m gonna write a book someday… It’s a great story. It’s a fantastic story,” —CM Punk
This episode highlighted how the power dynamics between the two men culminated in a bizarre situation. Punk admitted in an earlier conversation with Ariel Helwani that if McMahon’s old management style had persisted, the chances of him returning to WWE would have been minimal. He said the experience was humbling for him, especially considering his firm stance after leaving WWE in 2014.
What Happened After Punk’s WWE Return in 2023
Although CM Punk eventually rejoined WWE in 2023, leading to a warm reunion with McMahon, this visit was brief. According to Punk, the positive interaction in 2023—where McMahon greeted him with a hug—was the only occasion they met. Since then, Punk has not had any further contact with Vince McMahon.
The story remains one of the more peculiar incidents in wrestling history, illustrating the complex and sometimes unpredictable relationship between talent and top management in WWE. The handshake agreement that was never honored symbolizes a power struggle layered with tension and mistrust.
As wrestling fans and insiders continue to dissect the CM Punk Vince McMahon power play, the full story has taken on legendary status. EC3’s and Punk’s firsthand perspectives shed light on how backstage politics influence careers and highlight why trust can be fragile in the wrestling world.
