CM Punk said he worked a recent NXT live event to stay sharp, and to give back while doing it.
Punk teamed with Myles Borne and Tavion Heights to beat Vanity Project’s Brad Baylor, Jackson Drake, and Ricky Smokes in a six-man tag at NXT’s August 15 show in Petersburg, Virginia. WWE has released a behind-the-scenes vlog from the night, where Punk explained the appearance.
“There’s a very selfish motivation for me being here. I want to stay ready. Yes, I’m the champion. Yes, I wrestle on television. But to me, I don’t wrestle often enough. I need more reps. I think I’m better the more often I wrestle,” Punk said.
“There is an element of giving back though, obviously. I have great respect for this business, and I’m just following in the footsteps of the people who came before me. Hopefully somebody watches and learns and observes from me and they can pay it forward when they have the opportunity to do so.”
The video also shows Punk backstage with NXT talent including Kali Armstrong and Sean Legacy. After the show, Punk called it a tremendous night and said the future of WWE is in good hands. “I had fun. I will be back,” he said.
Punk’s schedule has picked up with WWE running more main roster live events. After retaining the Undisputed WWE Championship against Kevin Owens on SmackDown in Toronto on Friday, he kept the title in a street fight with Cody Rhodes and Gunther in Edmonton, then teamed with Rhodes to beat Gunther and Ricky Saints in Calgary.
