CM Punk on WWE World title run: ‘I feel like I get it now’
At this point in his career, CM Punk feels like he has a better understanding of what it means to be World Heavyweight Champion.
Punk was a guest on WGN in Chicago today, promoting that WWE Elimination Chamber will be held at the United Center in February 2026. He discussed his current WWE run and his approach to holding the World Heavyweight Championship.
“Oh, it’s tremendous. Literally having the time of my life,” Punk said about being back with WWE. “And I think that resonates, I think you can see it. This [the World Heavyweight Championship] is an unexpected treat. And, you know, obviously I’m older, I’m more mature. And I feel like I get it now. I feel like — the weight of this [title], it isn’t so heavy but I have more of an understanding now. Like, yeah this is part of the job. I know some day this is all going to be over, so I’m really just enjoying it.”
After Seth Rollins had to relinquish the title, Punk won the World Heavyweight Championship at Saturday Night’s Main Event on November 1. It was originally supposed to be Punk challenging Rollins for the belt, but Rollins suffering a shoulder injury forced WWE to change its plans. Punk instead defeated Jey Uso for the vacant belt.
Also during the WGN interview, Punk expressed his admiration for John Cena ahead of Cena retiring from the ring next month.
“I’m a small part of his story, and I’m proud to be that small part. And it’s been everything to me. I’m a fan of his, just like people are fans of me. So being around him and being there to experience him just kind of gracefully [bowing out], I feel like I’m skating with [Wayne] Gretzky during his last couple games.”
Joseph Currier is the lead editor of F4WOnline.com, directing daily news coverage and writing articles on professional wrestling. He is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts, obtaining a journalism degree in 2016. Joseph joined F4W during his time at UMass and has now been writing about the industry for nearly a decade.
In addition to his work with F4W, Joseph has previously contributed to Sports Illustrated's wrestling coverage. He lives in Massachusetts and is a diehard fan of the Boston sports teams and Liverpool Football Club.