Grayson Waller is ready to test himself against former World Champion CM Punk, both in the ring and in a battle on the mic.
Punk appeared on last week’s episode of SmackDown, in his first appearance on the blue brand in close to a decade. The former World Champion held nothing back in his promo and referenced Randy Orton, Kevin Owens, and teased a confrontation with Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns. CM Punk also gave a nod to his firing from AEW All In this past September.
Grayson Waller on CM Punk
CM Punk has had the wrestling world hooked on his every word and move, and Grayson Waller is also taking notice of the Best in the World. Speaking with Justin LaBar of Busted Open Radio, Waller was asked about the arrival of the ex-AEW star.
“It’s great to have Punk back because obviously he’s a big name, he’s a big star. I got to sit backstage at SmackDown last Friday and sit in the Gorilla position and watch him go out and talk. It’s a different vibe. For me personally, I’m not going to go and ask for advice and kiss his ar*e. That’s not who I am. But I am going to sit back and watch him do it and I’m going to take some notes in my head. That promo he did on Friday, especially hearing the live crowd and everything, was cool.”
Waller added that he met with Punk at SmackDown and also saw the Best in the World backstage at this week’s WWE NXT.
“I saw Punk backstage at SmackDown Friday and I’m going to leave it there. I don’t think anyone needs to know what that interaction was. Let’s just say, we talked.
“I was at NXT last night doing some stuff and he was there talking to all the young guys, giving them feedback, giving them advice. So he’s coming back and he’s doing everything he can to help. But Grayson Waller’s not that guy. I don’t wanna sit back and hear his advice. I don’t want to wear his merch shirt. I don’t want to put up a video of me at 12 years old telling Punk he’s the best. That’s not who I am.
Like Punk, Waller has impressed many on the mic, and would love to test his skills against Punk when the time is right.
“I want to test myself against him. Not just in the ring, but on the mic because that guy’s one of the best of all time… So I appreciate what you’ve done for the business, but I’m not here to be your fanboy, I’m here to be a competitor.”
I asked @GraysonWWE about CM Punk back in #WWE:
"I saw Punk backstage at SmackDown Friday and I'm going to leave it there. I don't think anyone needs to know what that interaction was. Let's just say, we talked."
He goes on to talk about Punk's abilities! pic.twitter.com/zBmoDXvHC2— Justin LaBar (@JustinLaBar) December 14, 2023
More Backstage Talk
While we don’t know what Waller and Punk discussed, the Aussie wasn’t the only one Punk chatted with backstage. It has been reported that Punk was approached about appearing at NXT Deadline while attending SmackDown. The former AEW World Champion (donned in a Bret Hart hoodie) shared a segment with Shawn Michaels during the opening moments of the show.
For the use of quotes, please give an H/T to SE Scoops.
