CM Punk discusses his relationship with Paul Heyman.
Since his signing with WWE in the mid 2000s, CM Punk found himself backed by Paul Heyman in WWE, someone who helped Punk learn elements to pro wrestling that happen backstage. The pair have been an on screen pair previously, as Heyman represented Punk during his 434 day reign as WWE Champion. In 2025, the pair have interacted more since Punk's return at Survivor Series 2023, with Heyman currently owing Punk a favor.
Speaking in an interview with Jackie Redmond prior to the 2025 Royal Rumble Premium Live Event, Punk discussed his relationship with Paul, including while he was away from WWE.
"No. We would talk very intermittently. We actually ran into each other at Laguardia airport one time and just, backs to the wall, looking forward and having a conversation. You have to understand when I left here and there was a lawsuit, all kinds of really really gun extra curricular stuff going on, I was advised by lawyers, ’You have to watch what you say to anybody because it could wind up facilitating it’s way back. I was super guarded. It was a rough time for relationships back then, and Paul was kind of no exception."
Punk competed in the 2025 WWE Royal Rumble match, and eliminated Heyman's Tribal Chief in Roman Reigns along with Seth Rollins.
Elsewhere in the same interview, CM Punk spoke more about the favor owed to him by Paul Heyman. You can read more about that here.
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