CM Punk revealed his hope for future pro wrestlers while appearing on What’s Your Story? With Stephanie McMahon.
“I want the next generation to work less and get paid more than I did, because that’s what you should want. That’s what you should want in any business,” Punk said, adding, “I want that for wrestlers.”
Ironically, the modern embodiment of working less and getting paid more is Roman Reigns, Punk’s opponent at WrestleMania 42 in April.
During the build-up to their match, Punk’s on-screen character
expressed a different opinion from the one he shared with McMahon. Speaking with Corey Graves before WrestleMania, Punk referenced Reigns’ upbringing as a second-generation wrestler whose father wasn’t always around. He praised Reigns for prioritizing his family before scolding him for not showing up to work more.
“His priorities are in the right spot. But it’s real hard to sit back and look at a man who will do that and be a part-timer and think that that’s okay,” Punk said, while noting that there’s a responsibility that comes with being a WWE superstar and a champion.
Over the years, Reigns’ cushy position has become storyline fodder for WWE. Stars like Punk, Cody Rhodes, and Seth Rollins have portrayed Reigns as selfish and lazy, while framing his reduced schedule as a detriment to the business.
Punk’s real-life comments, though, suggest otherwise, with more money for less work being a good thing.
