CM Punk Says He Won’t Announce a Retirement Tour Like John Cena

CM Punk knows he’s closer to the end of his career than the beginning, but don’t expect him to change a thing. The Best in the World is heading into the Royal Rumble as one of the favorites to win, and while he’s aware that his time in the ring isn’t infinite, he’s making the most of every moment.

Speaking to Jackie Redmond in a WWE Exclusive, Punk was asked if he’s thinking about his future as an in-ring competitor. “I feel great right now. I definitely don’t feel like there is a looming doomsday clock over my head or anything like that,” he said. “Saying that, I also do realize, based on what happened in the last Royal Rumble, that this could all end in a heartbeat. I never know when my last match is going to be.”

He referenced John Cena’s upcoming retirement tour but made it clear he won’t be making a grand exit announcement. “I look at myself like I’m on the same road as John, maybe just not egotistical enough to announce to everybody, ‘Hey, this is it.’” Instead, Punk is focused on staying as sharp as possible for as long as possible. “I’m not setting a limit on anything. I’m just doing my best to bulletproof myself on a daily basis, work as hard on recovery as I do in the gym and in the ring.”

Punk also fired back at those who criticize his look, making it clear he isn’t about to start covering up the years he’s put into the business. “I think I get criticized an unfair amount, but it’s because I don’t dye my beard, I don’t dye my hair, I 100% embrace it. To me, these grays, I’ve earned them. They just tell stories. It’s the roads I’ve traveled, it’s the bumps and bruises I’ve taken and the injuries I’ve survived. My face is a road map. I would not remove a scar. I would not dye my hair or beard. This is me. I was me when I first wrestled at 15 years old, and I’m me at 46, and I will always 100% be truly, unapologetically, one of one, CM Punk.”

With Drew McIntyre, Seth Rollins, Roman Reigns, and John Cena also set for the Men’s Royal Rumble, Punk will have to prove he still belongs at the top. Could this be his last Royal Rumble, or does he have one more championship run in him?