WWE Hall of Famer Rob Van Dam (RVD) recently shared insights about Paul Heyman’s early support for CM Punk during an episode of his podcast, 1 Of A Kind. RVD recalled how Heyman quickly formed a close bond with Punk when Punk was still new to WWE, highlighting the genuine friendship they developed backstage.
Reflecting on their relationship, RVD said,
“Yeah, I know Paul liked him, like, you know, like right away, like, when he was still new to WWE CM Punk, and I didn’t know that much about him, like, I remember noticing that Paul and him were, like, really close, you know, like, friends, and they sat by each other, you know. I remember one time when I came in. It must have been during the return, because I don’t think I was regular there, but because Paul was like, you know, ‘Hey, come on, sit, sit down with us.’ And he was sitting with, he was sitting with Phil. And he was introducing us, kind of, you know, and then saying, ‘Yeah, Phil’s a good guy,’ or whatever. And I just remember that sticking out in my mind, you know, like, Paul really likes this guy, you know.”
—Rob Van Dam
Personal Relationships and Touring Schedules of WWE Stars
During the conversation, RVD also mentioned CM Punk’s relationships with other WWE personalities, including his then-girlfriend Maria. They recalled a period when the WWE roster was divided for tours, such as Raw and SmackDown splits, which often complicated backstage interactions among wrestlers and their partners.
Regarding this time, RVD shared,
“And around that time, we did a, I mean, he was, let’s see he was seeing Maria at the time, yeah, he came to WWE, and he was seeing, Maria. With Maria, I remember we were on a split tour overseas where the roster was split in two. Maybe it was Raw and SmackDown, whatever.”
—Rob Van Dam
Escalating Tensions Between CM Punk and Andrew “Test” Martin
RVD recounted a tense backstage incident involving a young CM Punk and the late Andrew “Test” Martin, based on what Paul Heyman had relayed to him. The conflict originated from a complicated situation where Test wanted Punk to pass messages to Kelly Kelly but felt reluctant to act as a messenger himself. This strain reportedly escalated while the roster toured in Europe.
RVD explained,
“But we had two different busses, two different agendas, and which one was mine? I think CM Punk was on my tour, and Test was on the other one, could have been the other way around. But anyway, Test was seeing Kelly Kelly. I think Kelly Kelly was on our tour, and Maria was on our tour. And maybe CM Punk too, and maybe just Test was on the other one. But anyway, Test was wanting CM Punk to get messages to Kelly Kelly, and from my understanding, he didn’t feel like being the delivery boy. Every day I was getting this information from Paul. Paul was telling me that this was coming to a head one night, we’re over there in Italy or somewhere, and he said that Test was blowing up. Kept telling CM to tell Kelly to call him, and I guess she wasn’t getting the messages or whatever. And Test said something, according to Paul, Test said, ‘What, does he think I won’t smack him?’ And Paul said that he was like, ‘My money’s on the tattoo kid.’ He really didn’t know anything about him then, you know, so that told me a lot, at least, of what Paul thought about him.”
—Rob Van Dam
The Broader Impact of Paul Heyman’s Support
These backstage interactions reveal not only the personal dynamics among WWE stars but also the unwavering support Paul Heyman showed toward CM Punk early in his career. Heyman’s confidence in Punk, even amid tense moments involving other wrestlers like Test, suggests a deep belief in Punk’s potential and character.
This support may have played a crucial role in Punk’s rise within WWE, as Heyman’s influence backstage often shapes opportunities. The stories shared by RVD shed light on the challenges and relationships behind the scenes, emphasizing the complex nature of life on tour and the loyalty evident within WWE’s locker room.
