CM Punk’s return to WWE has been a test of resilience, a journey he admits has been more challenging than anticipated. An injury sustained shortly after his comeback forced him to miss significant events, including Elimination Chamber in Perth, a situation he recently described as leaving him “really depressed.”
The setback came at a time when, according to Punk, there were “big plans” for his initial run. The abrupt halt to that momentum was a source of deep disappointment, especially as it prevented him from performing for international audiences.
“I came back to WWE and got hurt kind of right out the gate, and I remember being really depressed, like heading into Perth, because I couldn’t go. I was hurt, we had big plans. Best laid plans of mice and men, you know, dashed against the rocks and I was really disappointed because I was excited to go to Australia, and now, we’re looking down the barrel of it again in October.”
Now, with his in-ring career back on track, Punk views this chapter as a complete “do-over.” This renewed perspective is driving his excitement for a series of upcoming international dates, which he sees as an opportunity to fulfill the plans that were previously interrupted. Punk confirmed he is looking forward to performing at Crown Jewel in Australia this October and at an upcoming event in France, both of which he missed during his injury layoff.
“I get to do that. I missed out on Paris last time too — France — and we’re doing that coming up too so, knock on wood, everything remains in the places they’re supposed to remain in and I’m looking super forward to the next couple months. You will see me in Australia and I cannot wait.”
This comeback tour faces its most immediate and significant challenge at SummerSlam, where Punk is scheduled to challenge Gunther for the World Heavyweight Championship. Despite the physical and mental hurdles, he maintains that his focus is on enjoying his work and contributing to the environment around him, viewing every new opportunity as “extra credit” on an already established career.
“It’s not about how many times you get knocked down. It’s about how many times you get up, and even over the past year, there’s been times when I could have easily just rolled over and said, that’s good. I think I’ve had a good enough career and it’s not even really about legacy. To me, legacy is making other people around you better, and that’s how I want to be remembered.”