In a recent interview, former WWE performer Shelly Martinez disclosed that she once had a significant crush on CM Punk WWE before Punk married AJ Lee. Martinez explained that, although she wished to date him at the time, she feels relieved now that they never did, especially since one of Punk’s close friends became her first true love.
I’m going to be real. Because of different reasons, I always had a crush on [CM] Punk, and I always wanted to hook up with him and be his girlfriend. I’m glad we never did or even hooked up because one of his really good friends is actually the person that I credit for being like my first love, your first real, true love. So that probably wouldn’t happen because they were friends.
? Shelly Martinez, former WWE Superstar
Mr. Kennedy Opens Up About Early Dislike For CM Punk
Ken Anderson, known as Mr. Kennedy in WWE, recently reflected on his initial resentment toward CM Punk during the early days of their wrestling careers. On his Mic Check podcast, Kennedy recalled traveling extensively to support his ill father while dealing with tensions involving Punk. He admitted to disliking Punk after an incident at an IWA Mid-South event but said the two eventually reconciled over sushi with mutual friends.
At the time, my father was really ill and not doing well. So I would fly back to Green Bay on Thursday and Friday, then fly out again on Saturday morning and do it all over again. But I remember when Punk got brought in right after I got called up, and I f****** did not like him. We had that experience we talked about earlier, where he sort of buried me at the IWA Mid-South show that I did with Austin Aries. Then I kind of expressed my disdain for him to Paul, who I was very close with. I became really close with him really quickly.
? Mr. Kennedy, former WWE Superstar
And then Paul was like, ‘Hey, I think we should all go out,’ and we did. We went out, had sushi, kind of talked, hashed things out, and got to know each other a little bit. And then, okay, this guy’s not too bad.
? Mr. Kennedy, former WWE Superstar
Frustrations Over Commentary and Early Career Struggles
Kennedy also discussed how seriously he and Austin Aries took their early wrestling career, describing the irritation they felt when commentators mocked their performances. This episode highlighted the difficulties newcomers faced while trying to build credibility in a competitive environment.
It was super serious to Austin [Aries] and me. It was the biggest thing that had happened to us yet in our careers. So we were taking this super seriously. And then we hear the commentary, and they’re just like you said, taking the p***, really f***ing—it was really irritating.
? Mr. Kennedy, former WWE Superstar
Upcoming WWE Royal Rumble and Related Updates
Beyond these personal anecdotes, the WWE community is preparing for the 2026 Royal Rumble, which has already sparked backstage discussions about new rules, including women’s attire regulations. Additionally, reports indicate that Bianca Belair is set to return at the event, while debates continue internally over AJ Styles’ potential retirement plans. CM Punk remains a central figure in these developments, recently being named the cover star for WWE 2K26.
Significance of These Revelations for WWE Fans
The insights shared by Shelly Martinez and Mr. Kennedy shed light on the complex relationships and emotions behind the scenes in professional wrestling, providing fans a more humanized view of celebrated figures like CM Punk. As the 2026 Royal Rumble approaches, interest in these wrestlers’ stories may influence fan engagement and expectations for upcoming WWE events.
