CM Punk Opens Up About WWE Future, Talks About Retirement, and More
After nearly a decade away from WWE, CM Punk’s comeback story has been one of redemption, emotion, and unfinished business. But in a recent interview, the self-proclaimed “Best in the World” admitted that his in-ring career is closer to its final chapter than fans might want to believe.
Punk Reflects on the Endgame
Speaking with WWE’s digital team during a recent tour of Japan, Punk offered a rare moment of vulnerability as he discussed his wrestling future — and how the wave of retirements around him has made him take stock of his own journey.
“So I’m standing here now, near the end of my career,” Punk said. “You know, John Cena’s calling it quits, AJ Styles says he’s going to retire next year, and I don’t know how much time I’ve got left. I’m going to keep going until the wheels fall off.”
Punk acknowledged that it’s been a monumental year for wrestling farewells, and while it’s bittersweet, he views it as a sign of growth in the business.
“I know that’s sooner rather than later,” he continued. “That’s why it’s important, for all of us, not just me, to celebrate every wrestler as they retire. There’s a whole new generation coming in to take our place — and in a way, that’s something to be proud of.”
From Comeback to Contender
Since returning to WWE at Survivor Series 2023, Punk has rebuilt his legacy one match at a time. His comeback was momentarily derailed by a triceps injury at Royal Rumble 2024, but his return to full-time action this year reignited fan enthusiasm and put him right back in the main event picture.
The 46-year-old briefly captured the WWE World Heavyweight Championship at SummerSlam 2025, only to lose it minutes later to Seth Rollins in one of the year’s most emotional twists. Now, Punk’s road continues as he’s set to challenge Jey Uso for the vacant World Heavyweight Title at Saturday Night’s Main Event on November 1.
If that match proves to be one of his last major title pursuits, it would be a fitting full-circle moment for the Chicago native who once walked away from WWE in 2014, burned bridges in AEW, and somehow fought his way back to the grandest stage in wrestling.
The Long Road Back
Punk’s wrestling career has been a roller coaster of triumphs and turbulence. After his controversial 2014 exit, he spent over seven years away from the ring before resurfacing in AEW in 2021. While his early matches reignited the spark, injuries and a notorious backstage fight with The Elite following All Out 2022 cut his run short.
His shocking WWE return in Chicago at Survivor Series 2023 remains one of the loudest crowd reactions in modern wrestling history — a moment that redefined second chances in the industry.
And while his latest chapter has included a WrestleMania main event and even a memorable mixed tag match alongside his wife AJ Lee, Punk knows every story has an ending.
Wrestling.news | Backstage Take
CM Punk’s honesty about nearing retirement feels like a full-circle reflection from a man who once walked out on wrestling, only to fall back in love with it years later. The Punk we see now isn’t the bitter rebel of old — he’s a veteran embracing the next generation, even as he fights for one last great run.
Whether his last stand happens at Saturday Night’s Main Event, WrestleMania 42, or beyond, one thing’s certain: CM Punk won’t go quietly. He’ll go out swinging — mic in hand, fire in his eyes, and legacy intact.
