During a backstage moment on WWE Raw in 2023, CM Punk publicly apologized to The Miz for a harsh comment he had made years earlier. This act marked a significant shift in Punk’s attitude, reflecting his growth since his time away from WWE and while still contracted with AEW. The CM Punk apology WWE moment stands out given the long history and tension between the two wrestlers.
Back in 2020, while removed from WWE, Punk had engaged in a widely publicized dispute with The Miz. Punk’s now-deleted tweet famously insulted Miz with the words,
“Go s*ck a blood money-covered d**k in Saudi Arabia, you f**king dork.”
Despite the acrimony in that post, Punk chose to extend a personal apology on WWE programming before Night of Champions 2025, signaling reconciliation and change.
The Miz Reflects on His History and Renewed Bond with Punk
The Miz recently shared insights into his evolving relationship with CM Punk during an interview with Adrian Hernandez of Unlikely. Looking back on their early days, Miz recalled a close camaraderie among a small group of wrestlers traveling together before their fame.
He described,
“Punk, we have such a history. We used to drive together. We’d always be in a van, it’d be five of us, and Swoggle, in a van, driving from town to town. That was before iPhones, so all you would do is talk. We have such a rich history. Memories of OVW, where we were all trying to become someone, and now here we are 20 years later, someone.”
Miz confessed that he was caught off guard when Punk approached him with an apology backstage in 2023. He recounted,
“Yeah. I didn’t know what to expect. I remember coming down the stairs and seeing him and being like, ‘Hey.’ I didn’t know what to expect. Seeing him come back, it’s been interesting. I remember before, driving with him, but I also remember when he was at the tail end, and it didn’t seem like he was a happy person.
Now, I see him backstage, and it’s a different person than I remember. He seems very happy. I wouldn’t even say complacent because he’s always competitive and always wants to be number one. He’s also in a position where he’s teaching a lot, and there are not many of us who have been here for 20 years and have been able to teach, learn, and adapt. It’s cool to see the change and happiness.”
CM Punk’s Role in Mentoring Younger WWE Talent
Adding to the evidence of CM Punk’s transformation, he has quietly taken on a mentorship role for Dominik Mysterio. Despite Mysterio’s claims that the two are not friendly, Punk denies this and humorously remarked that Mysterio begins his days with
“a call to Uncle Phil.”
This reveal highlights Punk’s deeper involvement in grooming new talent while emphasizing the complexity of relationships within WWE’s locker room. Meanwhile, Cody Rhodes has commented on a competitive atmosphere in WWE featuring himself, Punk, and Seth Rollins, all vying to step into leadership roles once held by Triple H.
Other Recent Developments in the WWE and AEW World
Aside from CM Punk’s apology and mentorship, the wrestling scene remains lively with updates about key figures and storylines. The Undertaker has expressed displeasure at fans speculating about his personal life on social media platforms, underscoring ongoing tensions between wrestlers and their audiences.
The Rock’s startling weight loss recently sparked widespread concern about his health, prompting him to address these rumors publicly. Additionally, Kris Statlander made headlines by confirming her departure from the Death Riders faction on AEW Dynamite, clarifying her current position within the promotion.
In WWE, Rhea Ripley is potentially forming a new tag team with a former rival to avenge a recent attack, signaling fresh twists in ongoing narratives. Charlotte Flair shared a poignant tribute following a personal loss, drawing sympathy from fans worldwide.
Looking ahead, Brock Lesnar’s next opponent could be one of WWE’s top villains, raising anticipation for upcoming championship matches. Wrestling insiders also speculated about The Rock’s involvement in the failure of John Cena’s heel turn, attributing some of the disappointment to The Rock’s influence.
Finally, new revelations have surfaced about John Cena’s scheduled Crown Jewel match against AJ Styles, revealing behind-the-scenes insights into one of WWE’s most high-profile bouts.
Significance of CM Punk’s Apology and Future Prospects
CM Punk’s unexpected apology to The Miz represents more than the mending of personal wounds; it signals a pivotal moment in his WWE comeback. His willingness to acknowledge past mistakes and extend forgiveness suggests a renewed professionalism and dedication to the company’s current landscape. Punk’s transformation, expressed not only through his apologies but also his mentorship role, indicates his commitment to shaping the future generation of WWE talent.
This development will likely influence locker room dynamics and fan perceptions positively, while also raising expectations for Punk’s forthcoming contributions inside and outside the ring. As WWE continues to evolve amid internal competition and shifting storylines, figures like CM Punk are poised to play critical roles in steering the promotion forward.
