CM Punk Comments On Importance Of WWE NXT

WWE

Ahead of WWE NXT’s debut on The CW Network, CM Punk has reflected on the importance of the brand and its evolution.

WWE NXT has its CW premiere on October 1, 2024, with it recently being noted that the show has a TV-14 listing.

Having appeared on the last episode of WWE NXT to air on USA Network, CM Punk will be serving as the guest referee on tonight’s CW debut.

In a recent interview with Justin Walker for WREG Memphis, CM Punk reflected on NXT and how it has led to success stories in WWE.

Punk would highlight Bianca Belair as an example of that success, highlighting her non-wrestling background, saying:

“I think Bianca Belair is the most perfect example of somebody who probably didn’t watch a lot of wrestling and was such an athlete and was offered an opportunity, recognized an opportunity, and now she’s one of the biggest superstars we have.”

He would go on to describe the avenues that NXT offers athletes wanting to break into wrestling, noting:

“I really like the approach of NXT as being like a college athletic program, just like you would see for track and field or football.

“Now, all these athletes have a different avenue to start a career.”

Punk would state that there is a “special thing” happening in world of NXT, stating:

“We all like to say … this is the future. [These are] the future superstars of SmackDown and Raw and WrestleMania. But I think NXT is its own thing.

“I think they have such a special thing [in] NXT. I really want them to try to live in the present and enjoy their time there.”

Looking back at signing with WWE in 2005 and being part of the OVW developmental territory, Punk compared those days to NXT, saying:

“[Now] they’ve got central air baby. And they’ve got a full gym in there, and they’ve got like six rings and they’ve got trainers and all kinds of stuff, and I love it because that’s what we always should have had.”

Punk would state that OVW didn’t have heating in the winter months or air conditioning in the summer.

Having spent time in NXT recently, Punk would also say he “got to relive those days and enjoy the things” he may have missed as he was “maybe too career focused.”

Punk has been close to the NXT brand since his return to the company with Trick Williams recently discussing his presence.

Shawn Michaels has previously opened up about CM Punk’s visits to NXT saying “he’s been fantastic” and reflecting on the changes he’s seen since Punk’s return to WWE.

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