In a significant shift from their famously contentious past, CM Punk has detailed his now-positive and collaborative working relationship with WWE’s Chief Content Officer, Paul “Triple H” Levesque. The superstar revealed that their dynamic has transformed from adversarial to one of mutual respect, focused on building the company’s future.
In a recent interview with TV Insider, Punk explained the foundation of their improved dynamic, attributing it to maturity and a change in their professional roles.
“Between me and Triple H, there is so much more of an understanding. It was more adversarial because we were competition. Now we’re not and are on the same page and want to help the next generation… Look, I love working with the guy. It’s amazing. It’s really a treat. I think we’ve only scratched the tip of the iceberg.”
Speaking on a podcast, Punk also praised the cultural shift in WWE under Levesque’s leadership, citing an instance where the CCO took time off for a “daddy-daughter dance” as an “amazingly brilliant” example of a healthier work-life balance that was previously unheard of.
This new environment has impacted Punk’s own perspective on his position within the company. He no longer feels the need to vie for position, instead embracing his status as a veteran.
“I don’t think I’m fighting for real estate anymore whereas early in my career I was always fighting for what I thought was the way to do things. I feel like my role is 100 percent more solidified now,” Punk explained. “It feels weird saying that I’m a living legend, but I’m not sure how else to say it… I’m pretty fckin’ good at it. I know that now.”*
His solidified role is evident in his current creative direction. After winning a gauntlet match on this past Monday’s episode of WWE RAW, Punk became the number one contender for the World Heavyweight Championship and is now scheduled to challenge the champion, GUNTHER, at SummerSlam.
For the first time, Punk also revealed that the reconciliation process with Levesque began much earlier than believed, during a secret meeting with both Vince McMahon and Triple H around 2018 or 2019 to discuss a potential return. Punk stated that after he and McMahon reached a “handshake agreement,” McMahon subsequently “ghosted” him, causing the deal to collapse.
However, Punk identified that meeting as a crucial turning point, noting it was the “first time that me and Triple H probably started chipping away at any problems or drama that we had in the past.” This contradicts the long-held assumption that their relationship only began to mend just before his return at Survivor Series in 2023.