A top-level wrestler's schedule is extremely busy not only is there the touring and travel associated with performing on the WWE roster, but media appearances and the like often fill out the rest of the week. Unless the company is putting them up to something, like a film role, odds are main eventers aren't doing much in the way of side projects. Nevertheless, CM Punk has branched out over the past couple of years, exploring interests outside of pro wrestling in ways that can potentially lead to future careers. In 2012, avowed comic book fan Punk wrote the forward for the hardcover collection of Marvel's "Avengers Vs. X-Men" series, describing it as "a dream come true." Following that, rumors came out that Punk was in talks with Marvel for work writing actual comics. Though nothing has been announced yet, Marvel was not dismissive of the possibility. Punk appeared on Talking Dead, a panel discussion show centered around comic book-based series The Walking Dead, as WWE Champion (and again following his departure). He's also done stand-up comedy/spoken word performances. Clearly, Punk has been preparing for a life after wrestling.
Scott Fried is a Slammy Award-winning* writer living and working in New York City. He has been following/writing about professional wrestling for many years and is a graduate of Lance Storm's Storm Wrestling Academy. Follow him on Twitter at https://twitter.com/scottfried.
*Best Crowd of the Year, 2013
