The Miz revealed he was surprised to receive an apology from CM Punk in April 2023. The exchange occurred backstage at WWE Raw in Chicago while Punk was still under contract with AEW. The apology stemmed from previous remarks Punk made about Miz regarding WWE’s business relationship with Saudi Arabia.
Speaking with Adrian Hernandez of Unlikely, Miz reflected on his two-decade history with Punk, dating back to their time in Ohio Valley Wrestling. He recalled their shared experiences traveling together before Punk’s departure from WWE.
When asked if the 2023 apology shocked him, Miz confirmed that it did. “Yeah. I didn’t know what to expect,” he said. “I remember coming down the stairs and seeing him and being like, ‘Hey.’ I didn’t know what to expect.”
Miz contrasted Punk’s current demeanor with his final days in the company, noting a dramatic positive shift since Punk’s official return in November 2023. “I remember when he was at the tail end and it didn’t seem like he was a happy person. Now, I see him backstage and it’s a different person than I remember. He seems very happy,” Miz said. He added that Punk has taken on a mentorship role while remaining highly competitive, stating, “It’s cool to see the change and happiness.” (h/t Fightful)
In a separate appearance on the No-Contest Wrestling podcast, Miz praised Jacob Fatu, comparing his connection with the audience to that of main event star Jey Uso. He remarked that Fatu carries the “same energy” and has limitless potential in WWE.