CM Punk comments on differences between Vince McMahon and Triple H's WWE regimes
WWE fans witnessed CM Punk's departure from the company under Vince McMahon's leadership and his subsequent return nearly a decade later under Triple H's regime. The Best in The World has now opened up about the differences between working for his current and former boss.
Back in 2014, Punk had issues with the global juggernaut, which included creative differences with Mr. McMahon, medical concerns, and financial disputes over merchandise royalties.
The 45-year-old star felt undervalued and mishandled by WWE management, leading to a highly publicized walkout and release from the company on his wedding day. Fast forward to the 2023 Survivor Series Premium Live Event, and The Straight Edge Superstar made a shocking return to the Stamford-based promotion in his hometown of Chicago.
During a recent interview with Jimmy Traina of Sports Illustrated, CM Punk discussed his experiences working with The Game compared to the 78-year-old former boss. The Second City Saint claimed that wrestlers or other people in WWE used to walk on eggshells around McMahon, but that's no longer the case with Triple H at the helm.
"I think Vince [McMahon] would make people wait outside his office. There'd be like a line, you know what I mean, and people would be intimidated by that. And I don't get that read off of Triple H at all. I don't see people waiting outside his office," Punk said.
The former World Heavyweight Champion added that Paul Levesque was more approachable, as the latter was focused on the overall success of the company.
"I never had that with Vince; I would always just like go in and ask him a question if I needed to. Never trying to waste his time, never trying to waste Triple H's time, but I see him [Paul Levesque] being a lot more hands-on with people and approachable and accessible. He wants everybody to be their best because he wants the show to be the best. So there's no leftover 80s macho kind of weird energy going on," he added. [13:47-14:37]
You can watch the full interview below
CM Punk set for a huge match at the upcoming WWE PLE
Ever since The Straight Edge Superstar came back to WWE, he has not competed in a televised singles match. CM Punk only went one-on-one with Dominik Mysterio during two non-televised house shows in December 2023. He suffered an injury during the Men's Royal Rumble Match earlier this year and was consigned to the bench.
Despite his hiatus from in-ring activities, the 45-year-old star has been involved in a heated rivalry with Drew McIntyre. The former WWE Champion has now been medically cleared and will face The Scottish Warrior in his first singles match on WWE TV after 10.5 years at SummerSlam in Cleveland on August 3, 2024.
Seth "Freakin" Rollins will serve as the Special Guest Referee for this massive showdown between CM Punk and Drew McIntyre. It will be interesting to see if The Best in The World secures a win over his bitter rival at The Biggest Party of the Summer.
Please credit Sports Illustrated and give an H/T to Sportskeeda Wrestling for the transcription.