CM Punk Admits He Felt Like a “Backup Choice” When Disney Called About Zootopia 2

CM Punk might be a world champion and global wrestling icon, but even he struggles with self-doubt when Hollywood calls.

During his recent appearance on Busted Open Radio, Punk opened up about the surreal experience of being cast in major projects like the upcoming horror film Night Patrol—and even being contacted by Disney for Zootopia 2. Despite his success, Punk admitted he often questions why he’s the one getting the call.

“I find myself in these situations all the time where I’m just, like, looking around, like—me? You want me?” Punk said with a laugh. “You know, when I got the call for Zootopia 2, I was like, ‘Huh?’ Like, Disney specifically wants me? Okay.”

He confessed to experiencing what many creatives deal with: impostor syndrome. But eventually, Punk realized the truth behind these opportunities—people genuinely value his talent.

“There’s a bit of impostor syndrome because I want to be like—who said no? Like, who are the first thirteen people who said no to this?”

“Sometimes you just gotta realize, like, no, no, you’re good at what you do. And, you know, people want to work with you.”

That mindset shift has fueled his recent run in both wrestling and film. Punk made it clear that he’s fully aware of the clock ticking on his time in the spotlight, and he’s making the most of it.

“I’m in the fairy tale, you know. And I know it. It’s why I wrestle so much now—because I know someday that I’m not going to be able to. So I’m really just selfishly trying to enjoy this run.”

His passion also extends beyond the ring, driven by childhood influences like Han Solo and Indiana Jones.

“I get to play in a world that I grew up watching and, you know, idolizing these people... all these characters that kind of molded me into the character that I play on television.”

Whether it’s in a WWE ring or a Disney recording booth, CM Punk is living the dream—and learning to believe he belongs in it.

CM Punk’s honesty about feeling like an outsider—even at the top of his game—makes him more relatable than ever. He’s proof that even world champions ask, “Why me?” before realizing they’ve earned every bit of it.

Have you ever struggled with impostor syndrome in your own career or passion? Do you relate to Punk’s reaction to getting the call from Disney? Drop your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear from you.

Please credit Ringside News if you use the above transcript in your publication.