CM Punk recently revealed the emotional turmoil he faced following his high-profile return to WWE in late 2023, describing how a debilitating injury dashed the “big plans” WWE had for him in early 2024 and left him feeling “really depressed.” The former WWE World Champion’s candid comments came during an interview while promoting the Netflix docuseries WWE: Unreal, illuminating the challenges behind the scenes despite his celebrated comeback.
After making a sensational return at the end of 2023 and competing fiercely in the 2024 Men’s Royal Rumble match—where he was the last competitor eliminated—Punk suffered a serious triceps injury that sidelined him for approximately eight months. This injury cruelly prevented him from participating in several major WWE events, including the 2024 Elimination Chamber pay-per-view held at Optus Stadium in Perth, Australia, as well as WrestleMania XL, which fans had eagerly anticipated would feature the “Second City Saint” prominently[1][4].
During an in-depth conversation with Wide World of Sports, Punk opened up about how the injury affected his mindset heading into the Elimination Chamber event in Perth. “I remember being really depressed, like heading into Perth, because I couldn’t go. I was hurt, we had big plans. Best laid plans of mice and men, you know, dashed against the rocks,” Punk expressed with visible frustration and disappointment[1][2][3]. The injury was a crushing blow to both his physical aspirations and the storyline momentum WWE had mapped out for him.
Insiders close to WWE reveal that the company had indeed envisioned important angles and pivotal matches for Punk in early 2024, designed to leverage his star power and re-energize key show segments. According to a WWE insider, “There were high hopes backstage that CM Punk’s return would rejuvenate the card for major events in early 2024. When the injury happened, it forced WWE to pivot quickly, leaving Punk sidelined during prime moments that could have redefined the competitive landscape.” This not only frustrated creative plans but also affected the morale of the locker room, where Punk’s presence is highly valued[1][4].
Despite the setbacks, Punk maintains a resilient and positive outlook on his career and legacy. In his interview, he reflected philosophically, “To me, legacy is making other people around you better, and that’s how I want to be remembered.” He went further to share that despite the emotional hardships, every day remains an opportunity. “Everything now is just extra credit. I think I had a pretty good career so far but that doesn’t mean I need to hang it up, when I’m legitimately, every day, having the time of my life, looking forward to going to work and working with everybody in front of and behind the camera”[2].
Looking ahead, Punk expressed cautious optimism about upcoming WWE international tours. He happily mentioned the opportunity for “do-overs” at the forthcoming WWE Crown Jewel event in Australia later in 2025, as well as the Clash in Paris event scheduled for August. “So knock on wood (hopefully I’ll be at WWE Crown Jewel in Australia). Everything’s a do-over at this point. I get to do that. I missed out on Paris last time too — France — and we’re doing that coming up too, so, knock on wood, everything remains in the places they’re supposed to remain in and I’m looking super forward to the next couple months. You will see me in Australia and I cannot wait”[1][2][3][4]. This statement underscores his determination to seize the forthcoming opportunities and reestablish the momentum stalled by injury.
The wrestling community has responded empathetically to Punk’s openness. Fellow wrestlers and fans alike appreciate the vulnerability shown by one of the industry’s biggest names, understanding the psychological impact injuries can have on athletes accustomed to pushing their physical limits. WWE insiders suggest that Punk’s return to full health and active competition could rejuvenate storylines and ratings in WWE’s global touring phase.
As WWE plans to leverage CM Punk’s drawing power in upcoming marquee events, backstage sources indicate that the creative team is cautiously optimistic but balancing Punk’s in-ring workload with long-term wellness considerations following his injury. This approach suggests WWE’s intent to keep the star in prominent roles without rushing him back prematurely.
In summary, CM Punk’s recent remarks shed rare light on the emotional and professional hurdles he endured after his WWE comeback. His “really depressed” admission concerning missed 2024 opportunities highlights the fragile nature of wrestler health and the impact on company plans. However, Punk’s resilient mindset and upcoming appearances in Perth and Paris offer fans hope that the most captivating chapters of his WWE return story are yet to come. As one insider summarized, “CM Punk’s journey is a testament to perseverance in professional wrestling, and his next run could prove to be one of the most compelling in recent history.”