Eric Bischoff and CM Punk End Years-Long Feud Backstage at RAW

Eric Bischoff and CM Punk’s long-standing war of words has officially been put to rest — and it all happened at WWE Monday Night Raw’s tribute show for Hulk Hogan in Detroit.

The two men, who have been firing shots at each other for years, had never actually met in person until that night. Bischoff used the opportunity to clear the air. On his “83 Weeks” podcast, Bischoff admitted that he went into the meeting with the intention of addressing their history head-on. He recalled breaking the ice with a direct acknowledgment of his past comments.

“I’ll just tell you what I said. I said, ‘Man, it’s a pleasure to meet you. I’ve said some pretty stupid sht. Just want you to know I’m glad to have an opportunity to meet you in person.’ I’ll give you my half of the conversation, and he can do with that what he wants.”*

For Bischoff, Punk’s reaction was better than expected — and even won him over as a fan.

“His reaction, the approach, the honesty is, is what made me a CM Punk fan. He’s a very honest guy.”

Bischoff went further, saying that meeting Punk in person gave him a new perspective on who he is outside of the wrestling persona.

“I got a pretty good feel for him and what he’s about and I think when you actually get to know the person behind the character, you’d be surprised at just how solid some of these athletes are. They’re solid human beings.”

When co-host Conrad Thompson asked if the emotional nature of the Hogan tribute played a role in them putting their “swords down,” Bischoff clarified that it wasn’t about the occasion itself.

“I don’t think it was that. I think it was, you know, again, here’s a guy that I never met in person up until that point.”

With one conversation, years of public insults and tension were replaced with mutual respect. For two outspoken figures in wrestling, that’s no small thing.

Do you think this truce between Eric Bischoff and CM Punk will last, or could old tensions resurface down the road? Share your thoughts in the comments.

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