CM Punk’s return to WWE came with plenty of questions, both inside and outside the company. Michael Cole has now revealed he had some of those same questions, but says any uncertainty disappeared almost immediately once Punk walked back through the door.
Speaking with Bobby Burack of OutKick, Cole explained that he and Punk were very close during Punk’s first run in WWE. Like many relationships in wrestling, though, they lost touch after Punk left the company, and the two barely spoke for years. Even so, Cole admitted he was genuinely excited to see Punk return, despite not knowing how he’d fit back into WWE or how the locker room would react.
“Punk and I were real close when he was here the first time around. Obviously, he leaves the company. This business is weird because you can be best friends with someone while they’re working here, and then they leave, and you might not talk to them for a few years. That was my situation with Punk.
Listen, business is business. I learned that a long time ago when I started here. Never say never to anything in WWE. I was excited when Punk was going to come back. How was he going to act? I wasn’t sure. How was our locker room going to take his return? I wasn’t sure. I knew I was going to do business, and I’ve had no problem with him, and we talk all the time, and it’s almost like we didn’t miss a day.”
Cole added that he’s happy to have Punk back in WWE and pointed out that Punk now has the chance to make history by becoming the first man to win the Money in the Bank briefcase three different times.
When the conversation shifted to Punk’s controversial reputation, Cole revealed there actually had been comments directed at him over the years. However, he said that’s never been something he was willing to carry around because holding grudges simply doesn’t work in the wrestling business.
“Listen, there were a few things directed toward me over the years that Punk had come out and said, but this is the wrestling business. You can’t hold a grudge. If you take anything personal in our business, you won’t survive. There’s a reason I’ve been here for 30 years. You have to just let it slide down your back, move on with a smile on your face, and do business. That’s what it’s about.”
Cole said his mindset has always been about doing what’s best for business. At the end of the day, he believes everyone in WWE has the same goal—selling tickets, entertaining fans and making the company successful—and that’s what matters more than old disagreements.
“It’s about doing business. It’s about selling tickets. It’s about entertaining the fans, having people watch our product, and having my paycheck come in every Friday so I can take care of my family. That’s what it’s all about.”
For Cole, Punk’s return wasn’t about revisiting old issues or settling scores. They picked up where they left off, and he’s more interested in what Punk can do in WWE now than anything that happened years ago.
Do you think CM Punk’s WWE return has exceeded expectations so far? Let us know in the comments below.
This transcript was produced exclusively for Ringside News from the original recording. Republishing the transcription in full is prohibited. When using excerpts, provide prominent credit and a link to this article.
