Paul Heyman believes CM Punk’s rivalry with Drew McIntyre shows why the Straight Edge Star is a special performer.
The Mad Scientist of wrestling recently spoke to Justin Barrasso of Undisputed. He discussed things such as Roman Reigns’ face turn, his Hall of Fame speech and more. The former ECW owner also talked about CM Punk’s return to WWE and getting the chance to work with him again.
Paul Heyman first claimed that he doesn’t have any regrets about his past with Punk because everything that happened has led to this moment. He then revealed his thoughts about the former WWE Champion’s storyline with Drew McIntyre, calling it one of the greatest rivalries of all time:
“He and Drew McIntyre put together one of the greatest rivalries of all time in a year when Punk was on the disabled list for nine-tenths of the run of their program. It’s fascinating to me how they pulled that off in 2024. It was new when WWE did it with ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin in ’98 and ’99, but it is very hard to surprise an audience now. Punk has been a master at pulling it off.”
He Still Exists: Paul Heyman
Punk’s rise to main event status was originally tied to his rebel persona and disregard for authority. Things have changed since his return to WWE however. Some people find it surprising that he remains as popular despite becoming a company man and acting as an ideal ambassador for the promotion at every turn.
Paul Heyman discussed how CM Punk’s character and motivations have changed since his last run with the company. At his core, however, the Second City Saint remains a rebel according to Heyman:
“Punk has evolved. The rebel, the disrupter, he still exists. Rebels don’t typically last that long, but this one does. That’s what makes Punk unique, different, and special. We live in an industry where unique, different, and special is rarified air. The only person that I can see who deserves the same credit for being unique and different and special is Roman Reigns.”
Apart from this, Heyman commented on the ‘favor’ he now owes Punk in return of the wrestling veteran helping Roman Reigns and The Bloodline at Survivor Series: WarGames last year. While Paul didn’t give anything away, he claimed that he’s ‘tickled’ at being a part of this cliffhanger that has kept people guessing.