WWE World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk is grateful for his current WWE run, calling it "extra credit" in a recent interview. 'The Best In The World' expressed disbelief and gratitude about his current success, highlighting his journey from leaving WWE to becoming champion again.
Speaking with The Sporting Tribune, CM Punk noted that everything happening now feels like a massive and unexpected bonus.
CM Punk on His WWE Return
CM Punk said his current WWE run feels like “extra credit,” explaining that when he left the company in 2014, he believed his wrestling career there was completely over. He noted that he never expected to return or reach the level of success he is experiencing now.
Everything that I've done since I've come back, I like to say is kind of like extra credit. It's nothing that I thought would happen. When I left in 2014, I thought I was done. I didn't think about, ‘Oh, maybe I'll go back, and maybe in the future I’ll do this.’ No. So being in the thick of it now, being this busy, being the champ, having all this responsibility and being on the cover and all these great things happening — it’s just …Man, I’m just fortunate.
Unexpected Career Revival
Punk also described this phase as a “late-career peak,” saying he feels like he’s firing on all cylinders and performing better than ever at this stage of his career. He added:
I mean, gratitude would be the word. I never thought this would happen to me again. If I were a baseball player, I never thought I’d be in the batter’s box again. And to still have a fastball, see a fastball coming and be able to hit it out of the park. I’m so grateful.
"I’m firing on all cylinders. I think I’m better than I’ve ever been. And I think saying that at this stage of my career is pretty incredible.
CM Punk is scheduled to defend his World Heavyweight Championship against Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 42. The event takes place April 18-19 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
