CM Punk’s unexpected departure from WWE in 2014, punctuated by a walkout at the Royal Rumble, initiated a nearly decade-long absence from the company. That hiatus concluded with a stunning return in 2023, and now, as World Heavyweight Champion, Punk has reflected on the time away, asserting he harbors no regrets about the opportunities missed during those years.
Speaking on the No Contest Wrestling podcast with O’Shea Jackson Jr. And TJ Jefferson, Punk addressed the question of whether he ever lamented the matches and rivalries that never materialized. His response was unequivocal: he wouldn’t change a thing.
“Do I ever think like, ‘I missed ten years. I could have worked with AJ a bunch. I could have done more with Cena.’ I think I did pretty good,” Punk stated. “The Tribal Chief says he graciously scaled back for two years. I graciously stepped back for ten, and it took him that long to become the superstar that he is. I have no regrets.”
The mention of AJ Styles resonates particularly strongly given recent developments. Styles joined WWE during Punk’s self-imposed exile and quickly established himself as a cornerstone of the company. While the two did eventually share a ring after Punk’s return, a fully developed feud never materialized, cut short by Styles’ retirement following a match against Gunther at the 2026 Royal Rumble. The timing of Styles’ exit, occurring so close to John Cena’s retirement at the end of 2025, has led to reflection on what could have been.
Punk’s reference to John Cena further underscores the lost potential. Their rivalry was a defining element of an earlier WWE era, but with Cena transitioning to a part-time schedule and ultimately retiring, a modern-day rematch was never possible. The departures of both Cena and Styles within a two-month span were noted in recent social media discussions, highlighting a perceived shift in WWE’s landscape.
Despite these missed opportunities, Punk maintains a firm stance: the decade away was not a period of loss, but rather a crucial component of his current success. He believes the time away allowed others to rise and, contributed to his own standing within the company today.
The context of Punk’s comments also extends to recent criticism from WWE Hall of Famer Kevin Nash. Nash had suggested Punk was nearing the end of his career and should consider retirement, even questioning his commitment to wrestling while wearing a t-shirt. Punk responded to Nash’s remarks at a house show, playfully revealing another t-shirt underneath, and later clarified that his intention was simply to entertain his fellow performers. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a lighthearted atmosphere during house shows, viewing them as a chance to connect with colleagues and create a positive environment for both wrestlers and fans.
Punk explained that his playful response to Nash was intended to bring levity to the situation, stating, “I did that to make the people I was in the ring with laugh, because when I’m on a house show, to me, that’s what it’s about, it’s about having fun. If the fans see us having fun, they’re having fun too.” He added that these events provide a valuable opportunity to build camaraderie and enjoy the shared experience of being on the road, away from family.
The situation with Nash, while seemingly minor, highlights Punk’s approach to wrestling: a blend of serious competition and playful interaction. This attitude, he suggests, is particularly important during the less-structured environment of house shows, where the focus is on entertainment and building relationships.
As Punk continues his reign as World Heavyweight Champion, his reflections on the past offer a unique perspective on the unpredictable nature of a wrestling career. His willingness to embrace the unexpected, and his insistence on having no regrets, suggest a wrestler who is firmly in control of his own narrative, even as the landscape of professional wrestling continues to evolve.
