WWE World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk says his title is serving as protection heading into WrestleMania season, and he has no plans of letting it go anytime soon.
In an interview with Complex, Punk discussed what it means to be champion at this stage of his career while also celebrating his second WWE 2K video game cover — 13 years after headlining WWE 2K13.
I'm still here. I'm still doing it at a very high level. Still on top. That belt is my armor right now. And it's going to take a lot to pry it from my hands," Punk said.
CM Punk, Complex
CM Punk on Being the Hunted Champion
Punk acknowledged that his position has shifted dramatically from the man who spent years chasing the WrestleMania main event to the champion everyone else is targeting.
I'm in a different position now because I'm champion. So, I'm not so much chasing a spot or a moment. People are chasing me. So, it's kind of really not up to me. I'm stoked being the champion and my plan is to hold on to it," he explained.
CM Punk, Complex Sports
The champion also pointed out a practical benefit of holding the title during Royal Rumble season.
If I'm the champion, that means I don't have to beat 29 other people in a Royal Rumble and I don't have to wrestle in the Elimination Chamber, which hurts a lot," Punk joked.
CM Punk
Second WWE 2K Cover Validates Staying Power
Returning to the cover of WWE 2K26 more than a decade after his first cover appearance is something Punk doesn't take for granted. He said career milestones like action figures and video game covers never lose their excitement.
"The excitement for me never dulls when I have a new action figure coming out. It's the same as when I got a first one. I'm on a cover of a video game again. To me, it just illustrates the staying power," he said.
CM Punk is expected to defend his World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania 42 this April against a challenger yet to be determined.
