CM Punk Urges Fans to Stop Asking About Retirement as He Nears 30 Years in Wrestling
WWE icon CM Punk has a straightforward request for fans and media alike: stop asking when he plans to retire. The current World Heavyweight Champion, who made his professional wrestling debut in 1997, emphasized his desire to continue performing without a set endpoint during an exclusive interview at WWE headquarters in Stamford, Connecticut.
Finding Inspiration in Rey Mysterio's Timeless Career
Punk pointed to fellow superstar Rey Mysterio as a key source of motivation. 'He's a guy that inspires me because nobody's asking him, "Oh, hey, when you're gonna retire?"' Punk explained. 'I get it every other question. It's like, well, slow down! I look at a guy like Rey and he's timeless, and he inspires me to put my boots on and keep going.'
The 47-year-old star first collaborated with Mysterio on the independent wrestling scene in 2002, sharing a Triple Threat Match that included the late Eddie Guerrero. Reflecting on Guerrero's passing in 2006, Punk noted how the tragedy strengthened his bond with Mysterio. 'Losing Eddie when we did, I think that strengthened a lot of other bonds I had with other people, especially Rey,' he said, describing such relationships as 'few and far between.'
WWE 2K26 Showcase Mode Explores 'What If?' Scenarios
In the upcoming WWE 2K26 video game, which features Punk on its cover, the Showcase mode allows players to relive his greatest matches, including fantasy bouts that never occurred in WWE. One such matchup pits Punk against Eddie Guerrero in a singles contest. 'He probably would have whipped my *ss,' Punk laughed. 'Eddie was always Eddie. I think that's one of the cool things about the video game this year, the big "What Ifs?" You get to have a little Fantasy Warfare. I think that's a lot of fun.'
When asked how a real match with Guerrero might have unfolded in WWE, Punk offered a heartfelt perspective. 'It's a fun thought, it's comforting,' he pondered. 'But if Eddie was still here, the last thing I would want to do is work with him. I'd just want to get a meal with him, something a little more heartfelt. I don't normally dwell on stuff like that. I'm more a look ahead to the future kinda guy.'
Personal Feud with Roman Reigns Takes Center Stage
Punk's immediate future includes a high-stakes WrestleMania main event clash against Roman Reigns, who has publicly criticized Punk's lengthy hiatus from wrestling. Punk returned to WWE in 2023 after a comeback in 2021, following a departure in 2014. Addressing Reigns's pointed remarks, Punk stated, 'At this stage, if you have thin skin, I don't think you would have made it to this stage.' He highlighted the blurred lines between storyline and reality in professional wrestling, adding, 'You gotta realise that to entertain people, you gotta say and do things that would sometimes just entertain yourself.'
Punk believes the personal nature of this rivalry elevates it beyond championship considerations. '[The championship is] important to me and it's important to him, but there's so much more when it's personal,' he smiled. 'This is very personal. I'm sure it's probably going to get more wildly personal whenever he decides to show up to work.'
Reflecting on an Alternate Path and Future Ambitions
The Showcase mode also explores alternate reality scenarios where Punk never left WWE. When questioned about how that might have transpired, he responded candidly, 'Oh, I'd be dead. We don't gotta get into the particulars, but I won't mince words about that. I needed to get off the hamster wheel.'
Now back in WWE, Punk expresses gratitude and forward-looking optimism. 'I love the fact that I'm back and looking forward to the future,' he added. Drawing a parallel to hockey legend Gordie Howe, who played until age 52, Punk remarked, 'I try not to put a time limit. I try to never say never anymore, until I'm known as Mr Wrestling.'
WWE 2K26 is scheduled for release on March 13, with CM Punk gracing the cover. Special editions, including the Attitude Era, Monday Night War, and King of Kings versions, will be available a week earlier on March 6.
