CM Punk says he worked an NXT live event because he does not think he wrestles enough.
Punk appeared in Petersburg, Virginia on August 15, teaming with Myles Borne and Tavion Heights to beat Vanity Project. WWE has since put out a behind-the-scenes video from the show in which Punk explains why he asked for the date.
There’s a very selfish motivation for me being here. I want to stay ready. Yes, I’m the champion. Yes, I wrestle on television. But to me, I don’t wrestle often enough. I need more reps. I think I’m better the more often I wrestle.
He gave a second reason as well.
There is an element of giving back though, obviously. I have great respect for this business, and I’m just following in the footsteps of the people who came before me. Hopefully somebody watches and learns and observes from me and they can pay it forward when they have the opportunity to do so.
The video also has him backstage with NXT talent, joking with Kali Armstrong about having to follow her three-way with Kendal Grey and Kelani Jordan, and taking a compliment from Sean Legacy about his condition. Punk said afterward that the future of the company is in good hands and that he would be back.
He is getting the reps elsewhere too. Punk retained the Undisputed WWE Championship against Kevin Owens on SmackDown in Toronto on Friday, then worked live events on consecutive nights, retaining in a street fight against Cody Rhodes and Gunther in Edmonton and teaming with Rhodes to beat Gunther and Ricky Saints in Calgary.
WWE is advertising Punk for 22 events through the end of October as part of the CM Punk 20 Years tour.
