7 Things We Learned From CM Punk's Pre-Fight Interview With Ariel Helwani
2. Fighting In The Same Arena Where He Walked Out Of WWE
Talk turns to the fact that UFC 203 is taking place at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio which coincidentally is the same venue where CM Punk made his final appearance for WWE. Helwani talks about what a perfect circle that is and asked if it was planned that way. He replies the location was one of the reasons he jumped at it, only because it was close to his home in Chicago and he could drive there.
Punk says he doesn't think UFC made the connection, and Helwani says that's crazy considering they've never been to that building before and Punk agrees calling it "poetic". He's stated previously that he's cursed in Cincinnati, and he now says he doesn't even like saying that anymore because "curses are bullsh*t" and him leaving wasn't a bad thing. He's happier and in a better place so there's no way you can consider that a curse.
He has had previous issues in Cincinnati though. He was originally supposed to make his WWE debut alongside Mickie James there, but that fell apart and he was sent to developmental. Bob Holly also punched him in the eye as hard as he could during a match, but Punk clarifies that he loves Bob and claims that the WWE locker room needs more guys like him.
He says that Holly was an enforcer who would ensure that the etiquette of the business was respected and observed by the roster, and there's nobody in the company who has stepped into that role.
He then goes on to state that he doesn't follow the current WWE product at all and has no interest in it whatsoever.