CM Punk has opened up about what he considers the toughest aspect of being a wrestler, and it has nothing to do with what happens inside the wrestling ring. As a recognized public figure, Punk sometimes encounters fans who cross boundaries and invade his personal space.
In a recent video for GQ’s YouTube channel, the former world champion explained that while he loves his fans and is happy to interact with them, these invasions of his privacy are the most challenging part of his job. He made a clear distinction between CM Punk the performer and Phil Brooks the person.
Punk detailed his view point on fan interactions, explaining that when he is at work, he is fully committed to the fans, but when he is off the clock, he expects his privacy to be respected. “One of the hardest parts of being a WWE Superstar for me, at least, is the relationship I have with fans in public. You see me on the street, I am not CM Punk.
I’m just a dude, Phil, trying to mind his own business and walk his dog and not be bothered,” Punk said. “When I’m at work, I give all to the fans. I show up to buildings, I go outside, and I will sign and take pictures with the fans who are lined up at the building. If you are waiting for me at an airport or a hotel, I will say, ‘No, thank you, sir. This is an airport and or a hotel; this is tantamount to stalking.’”
This isn’t the first time recently that Punk has been direct with his audience. In another recent social media interaction, he bluntly responded to a fan on TikTok who asked when he planned to retire, stating, “I’ll fucking retire whenever I want to. There’s work to be done. And you’re gonna miss me when I’m gone. So shut the fuck up.”
Punk has also spoken out in the past about drawing the lines with fans about dealing with them out in public. Tonight at the inaugural WWE Wrestlepalooza premium live event, he will team up with his wife, AJ Lee, for the first time in a WWE ring. The match will see them face off against the husband-and-wife duo of World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins and Women’s Intercontinental Champion Becky Lynch, in a mixed tag team match.
If you use any portion of the quotes from this article, please credit GQ with an h/t to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription.
