CM Punk has been an ever-growing presence in NXT after returning to WWE, most recently acting as the special guest referee for the NXT World Championship match between Ethan Page and Trick Williams, as well as orchestrating a pizza party for fans in attendance at the Allstate Arena in Chicago, IL.
With his numerous trips down to the WWE Performance Center and taking on a mentorship role for many Superstars like Cora Jade and Roxanne Perez, it’s starting to look more and more as though this may be Punk’s hopeful goal when his in-ring career comes to an end.
During a recent interview with The Ringer, Senior Vice President of Talent Development Creative Shawn Michaels spoke on this topic and gave his support to the idea of Punk possibly taking over his position when The Heartbreak Kid steps aside, stating:
“Sure. If that is in his heart to do, absolutely. And again, I will say whether it’s CM Punk or anyone that has a passion for that — look, I would absolutely understand it because it happened to me. This place is infectious… the environment here in NXT, and at the Performance Center, and down here in Orlando is unlike any other culture in the entire business. That’s what everybody does come around here, because it takes them back, to the beginning when this business was about the making it, and the being in the ring, and the excitement about the future.
“And I would have never thought in a million years a guy that loved performing like I did, and being out there, and having all the eyes and focus on me would get such a joy out of doing everything he can to provide that for the future stars of WWE, and CM Punk obviously seems to be somebody that enjoys that as well. So, I will say this as I’ve said on many occasions: When he’s ready to make that move after his in-ring career, I’ll support him every step of the way and help in any way that I can.”
Do you think CM Punk would be a good fit to fill in HBK’s shoes? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!
