7 Things We Learned From The Evolution Of CM Punk - The Ground Up
2. Punk's Motivations For The Career Change Are Varied
Throughout The Ground Up, CM Punk talks about his motivations as a fighter.
There's family - says Punk, "I've ruined my fair share of relationships because of pro wrestling." That might have been part of the motivation for him to leave the sport, given his marriage to AJ Lee.
Then there's his simple love of the sport. Says Punk,
If you put MMA on television as common as wrestling was in the 80s, I guarantee you my life would have taken a different path
That's something several wrestlers have said before, including The Rock. MMA wasn't at a level where it was a sustainable career in the 90s, but now, mixed martial artists have a chance to make more than the top pro wrestlers - if they hit the very peak of the sport at the top of the UFC.
There are other factors as well. Punk spends time in the documentary talking about his straight edge lifestyle, and talking about being an inspiration to others. To that end, if nothing else, even making it to the octagon is a success and might be seen as inspirational - though lets be honest, Punk's getting this shot based on his name.
He's not the plucky underdog who fought his way to the top and can inspire others. He was, however, willing to take a chance. Credit him for that.