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In the "Hall of Fame" podcast, WWE Hall of Famer Booker T took the opportunity to reflect on his conversation with CM Punk during his time in NXT. CM Punk is one of the wrestlers who attracts a lot of attention and interest from fans, who eagerly await his next match. Booker T recalled their meeting during an NXT match, admitting that he enjoyed talking with Punk, a man long considered controversial and different.
Although there have been rumors that Booker T and CM Punk didn’t have the best relationship, Booker T revealed that there was never any bad blood between them. He acknowledged that he had made some controversial statements in the past, which might not have been received well by others, but he emphasized that he never had any negative intentions towards the big WWE star.
Booker T is known for often sharing his thoughts through his podcast, but he has made it clear that his critiques are not meant to mock or attack anyone.
“I don’t know if you guys noticed on Tuesday night NXT, I ran into CM Punk. We had words. The thing is, it was refreshing. Let’s just say that. I know people were tripping when they saw that. The thing is, CM Punk and I never really had any beef. We really never did. I know people really thought that when he was in AEW, but I don’t think CM Punk and I ever really had any beef. Did I say some things about CM Punk, specifically when he was in the UFC? Yeah, I did, but I don’t think I said anything derogatory or mean spirited towards CM Punk at all? Even when he was in AEW, just like say for instance when he made his debut. I said the promo didn’t hit me properly. I said he could’ve did a little bit something, and that’s just constructive criticism. That’s not a knock or anything on CM Punk or anything like that.”- he said, as quoted by Pwmania.
Booker T talked about how CM Punk had a memorable moment at NXT that week. After finishing his work at the desk, he went to the bathroom, chatted with some of the guys backstage, and then started to leave the arena. As he walked back through, he noticed that the arena was still packed with fans. He was surprised because he thought people would be leaving by then.
CM Punk, however, stuck around, which Booker compared to the challenge of getting The Undertaker to do a fun move like the spinaroonie. It was a special moment for the NXT fans, one they would remember for a long time, getting to hang out with CM Punk after the show. Booker expressed his appreciation for that experience.
CM Punk has also shown how much he loves his fans and appreciates their support. It’s clear that this experienced wrestler is trying to change the negative perception some people have of him. With his return to WWE, Punk wants to prove that he’s not as controversial as people think and that he has many positive qualities.
The role he’s played over the years has shifted fans' views of him, but it’s evident that there’s a lot of warmth and empathy in this man. He cares about connecting with his audience and showing them a different side of himself.
Booker T on CM Punk
Booker T stressed that he and CM Punk are at a point in their lives where they don’t want to hold onto any past conflicts. He feels they’ve both matured and can see beyond any earlier conflicts. He shared that they even bumped into each other on a plane, and he didn’t realize Punk was sitting right behind him. They ended up having a casual chat, which he found really nice.
CM Punk has expressed multiple times that he doesn’t want to have a bad relationship with anyone. Instead, he prefers to cultivate positive connections with everyone and show that he has many sides to his personality. However, he has also revealed that if someone doesn’t respect or appreciate him, he is ready to respond in kind.
Hall of Famer emphasized the importance of networking and building connections, especially in their line of work. He thinks they’ve both grown enough to move past any issues and truly understand what the wrestling business is all about.
Booker T finished by saying that everyone in WWE has their own story and that it's important to build friendships while also making money. WWE offers a lot of financial opportunities, and every wrestler wants to show they deserve to be at the top. After years of building his own story in WWE, he stresses it’s now time for others to do the same.
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