CM Punk signs major non-WWE contract
The WWE Universe continues to wait patiently for the in-ring return of CM Punk. The RAW Superstar remains a featured name in current storylines, and now it appears he is planning for the future as he has just inked a new contract outside of World Wrestling Entertainment.
The Second City Saint has wrestled professionally since October 1997. He had some name value when signing his WWE developmental deal in September 2005, but since then, the former AEW World Champion has become one of the biggest names in the business despite his hiatus that lasted for almost eight years.
Punk also branched out into MMA by briefly fighting for the UFC and doing commentary for CFFC. He's also appeared in five movies and two TV series. The Chicagoan's non-WWE work includes writing as well, as he worked on several projects from Marvel and Vertigo Comics.
The Voice of the Voiceless has just signed a new deal with the Paradigm Talent Agency, according to Deadline. Punk will be represented in all areas by the award-winning full-service entertainment agency.
Paradigm will consider various opportunities and projects for Punk. However, the top agency is focused on expanding the 45-year-old's presence in the entertainment world. He commented on the news via Instagram today, also reacting to a screenshot of the Deadline article.
"Always wanted one of these and my wife says I look hot," CM Punk said.
Damian Priest signed with Paradigm coming out of WrestleMania XL. The current World Heavyweight Champion will also be represented in all areas with a focus on acting, books, marketing, and unscripted projects.
Tiffany Stratton signed with Paradigm earlier this month. She is also being represented in all areas, with a focus on acting, brand partnerships, speaking engagements, books, and graphic novels. The top agency hopes to model The Blonde Bombshell's career on trajectories similar to John Cena, The Rock, and Batista.
CM Punk to interfere at WWE Clash at the Castle?
CM Punk has been injured since late January, but WWE officials have managed to keep him relevant in the storylines as his feud with Drew McIntyre has continued.
The Scottish Psychopath is set to challenge World Heavyweight Champion Damian Priest in his native Glasgow on Saturday at Clash at the Castle: Scotland. Punk was rumored to be added to the match to make it a Triple Threat, but that did not happen on RAW.
It's still possible that The Second City Saint has been medically cleared for a run-in at Clash at the Castle. WWE analyst Sam Roberts recently discussed the situation on his Notsam Wrestling podcast and predicted that Punk would cost McIntyre the title in Glasgow.
"We know that Gunther, the King of the Ring, gets his World Heavyweight Championship match [at SummerSlam]. I believe that the World Heavyweight Champion at SummerSlam will still be Damian Priest. I believe CM Punk will cost Drew McIntyre the title in Scotland," he said. [From 20:04 - 20:20]
Since returning to WWE at Survivor Series 2023, Punk has wrestled just three times. He defeated Dominik Mysterio at two non-televised live events in December, then participated in the Men's Royal Rumble match.