Amid Uncertainty Over CM Punk’s WWE Return, WWE Legend Criticizes the Wrestling Industry as “Extremely Soft” for His Grit

One of the most divisive figures in the pro wrestling world, CM Punk has found support once again, amid a tumultuous time in his professional career. This time, a 52-year-old pro wrestling legend has extended his hand toward the Second City Saint. AEW fired Punk in unceremonious fashion in early September.

Punk’s attitude, which has been panned by many of his peers across promotions, was a point of discussion during an episode of the Busted Open podcast recently. There, the legend, who is also a WWE Hall of Famer, defended CM Punk.

Bully Ray bats for CM Punk days after WWE snub

Considered to be one of the greatest tag-team wrestlers in the history of pro wrestling, Bully Ray has a different opinion about CM Punk than most. Praising The Best in the World, Ray termed the Chicago native a “very misunderstood personality”.

Stating that the pro wrestling business has “gone extremely soft”, the eight-time WWE Hardcore Champion said, “… When you are brutally honest in the wrestling business, like I believe Punk is, a brutally honest person, you’re normally in the ultra-minority and people don’t know how to deal with brutally honest people in wrestling.” He added that a lot of people are uncomfortable with Punk’s in-your-face way of dealing with things.

On the other hand, controversy has been a constant companion of the former WWE Champion in his professional life. Not just the WWE, he has also had a fallout with the AEW, where he copped a suspension for an alleged backstage brawl and was forced to sit out for nearly a year.

Just months after his return, Punk was allegedly involved in another backstage incident, which led to his termination from All Elite Wrestling. While this surely made a lot of his AEW fans upset, his followers in the WWE had reason to smile. The WWE Universe remains hopeful that the wrestling promotion paves the way for the return of Punk despite his unceremonious exit from the company in 2014.

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However, the WWE seems to have made its decision about not signing back the five-time world champion.

Will fans see CM Punk in the WWE?

As per current reports, no, there is no chance that Punk will make a comeback to the WWE ring. But there’s hope. Yes, it’s not all over if you are yearning for a CM Punk return.

Even though the Stamford-based company has sent clear communication that they are not interested in inking a bond with the three-time World Heavyweight Champion, they keep on leaving clues.

After Seth Rollins cut multiple promos riddled with CM Punk Easter Eggs, his recent rival Shinsuke Nakamura has been using the Go To Sleep (GTS) move to attack his opponent. The GTS is primarily used by Punk as one of his finishing moves.

WWE hasn’t made an official announcement on a potential CM Punk return. Wrestling fans have to wait till Survivor Series 2023 for a final outcome. The PLE is scheduled for 25 November 2023, at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Illinois. This also happens to be Punk’s home turf.

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This could be one of those open secrets that the WWE is trying to guard. But the future still holds the key to this revelation. Meanwhile, what’s your take on Bully Ray’s comments about CM Punk? Let us know in the comments below.