CM Punk has revealed that WWE is attempting to secure him for a new long-term contract following his return in November 2023.
During an interview on The Ringer Wrestling Show, the topic of his in-ring future arose when he was questioned about retirement from wrestling.
“I definitely know I can’t go forever,” Punk said. “Like the idea is to — and I’ve talked to Randy [Orton] about this because, you know, me and him, I think, f*ck, is Randy younger than me? If he is, but not by much. And mileage-wise, I mean, we’re dead even, it’s a dead heat there. I talked to him and he’s just like, ‘Man, I’m doing this for as long as I can.’ And I love [that] because he’s so enthusiastic about it. It’s not just a, ‘F*ck you. I know I’m fat and I’m out of shape and I can’t do this anymore, but I’m still going to do it.’ You know what I mean? He’s never looked better. He’s never been better. I think Randy’s gotten taller.
“And I look at him and I’m like, ‘Oh, okay.’ Because you do….there’s obviously a stigma to quote-unquote ‘being an old guy.’ You don’t want to continue past your point of exploration. But yeah, some days, some days I get done doing what I’m doing and I’m like, ‘I feel like I’m just getting started.’ Like, this run I’ve been on, it really kind of washed over me where it made me, I can’t remember the specific moment where I turned to somebody, one of the Pauls, Heyman or Triple H, and I said, ’46 years old, I think I’m starting to understand the business.’
“And that’s the business. Your body’s going to give up on you way before your mind does. You know, so to me, my mind’s never been sharper. I’ve never been more focused. And there is life in wrestling beyond taking bumps and being in the ring. So we’ll see what happens. But I don’t plan on — they’re trying to get me to sign a five-year deal. So I look at that and I go, ‘Guys, I don’t know.’”
Punk stated that the days of a pay scale in WWE are over, as everyone is on a flat salary and they make “stupid money” for what they do.
“And yes, I do think we should all get paid more based on the things I see the company doing and shouting from the rooftops [about] how much money TKO is making and all this other stuff. But I’m 46. I don’t need money at this point in my life.”
Punk is slated to work a triple threat match with Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 41 on Saturday in Las Vegas, Nevada.
If you use any portion of the quotes from this article, please credit The Ringer Wrestling Show with an h/t to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription.
