Corey Graves Reveals How He Repaired Relationship With CM Punk After Years of Fallout

Corey Graves is opening up about mending fences with CM Punk — and how their relationship came full circle after years of distance following Punk’s WWE exit in 2014.

Speaking to TV Insider, Graves reflected on their complicated history, admitting that their bond once ran deep before life — and the wrestling business — pulled them apart. When Punk returned to WWE in 2023, Graves didn’t hesitate to take the first step toward fixing things. Graves explained how much Punk meant to him early in his career, describing him as a major influence and someone he closely looked up to while trying to find his own footing in the industry.

“It really is wild. Life in this business is so unusual. Everyone has a different story, but to have someone who I bond with so deeply when I was trying to get ahead of the business. He was always a step or two ahead of where I was. I looked up to him for that. I sort of tried to follow in his footsteps. I patterned myself after him, right, wrong, or indifferent. I’m sure I learned a few bad habits along the way, but he was sort of my wrestling big brother. That’s how I looked at it.”

That connection eventually faded after Punk’s controversial departure from WWE, but Graves made it clear that time played a major role in bringing them back together. According to Graves, the two had a direct and honest conversation — one that allowed them to clear the air and move forward without any lingering tension.

“Then life happens. There are the well-documented issues he had with WWE. He and I fell off for a while, but when he came back, I made it a point to talk to him. It’s one of those things where I believe time heals all wounds or at least most wounds. We had a heart-to-heart. Both of us apologized for a couple of different things and let it be water under the bridge. Since then, we’ve continued to grow close again.”

Now, with Punk back at the top of WWE as World Heavyweight Champion heading into WrestleMania, Graves says the moment feels bigger than just professional success — it’s personal.

“He is one of my favorites to this day, despite the fact he is my friend. As a talent, I’ve always been a fan of CM Punk. With all the headaches and issues and struggles he has had in his career, the relationship between him and WWE had soured so badly. Then to have it come full-circle and know, despite what he says in interviews about what is important to him, in Phil Brooks’ heart he wants to be the World Heavyweight Champion at WrestleMania.”

That’s not all as Corey Graves didn’t hold back when talking about what this moment means for Punk on a deeper level, pointing to the emotional weight behind finally reaching that position again.

“So, I’m happy for my friend in that respect. To know the fan in him, not just professionally speaking, he is in the top spot and that’s where he deserves to be. It truly is a dream come true for him. There is still part of him that acknowledges that and realizes that, and I’m happy for him to get to live that.”

For Graves, this isn’t just about reconciliation — it’s about watching someone he once looked up to finally complete the journey after years of setbacks, controversy, and unfinished business.

Do you think CM Punk’s return and rise back to the top is one of WWE’s best comeback stories, or is there still more he needs to prove? Drop your thoughts below and let us know.