Real Reason CM Punk Is Hanging Out At WWE NXT

CM Punk wasn't booked for NXT this week, but showed up at the PC anyway.

WWE NXT Deadline Shawn Michaels CM Punk
WWE

CM Punk has left a positive impression after showing up at the WWE Performance Center on several days this week, reports Fightful Select.

After appearing onscreen alongside NXT head Shawn Michaels at last weekend's Deadline event, Punk has been at the PC, doing so without being obligated to. While this wasn't planned, Punk spent the best part of at least one day at WWE's Winter Park, Florida facility, offering help and advice to anyone who wanted it, relaxing with talent, and giving feedback on matches.

This has been well-received. Fightful states that Michaels welcomed the 45-year-old to the developmental brand, with Punk-adjacent sources claiming the 'Voice of the Voiceless' "didn't take that endorsement lightly." Now, Punk is reportedly welcome at the PC whenever he wants.

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This far, people at the Performance Center consider Punk a "pleasure to deal with" - and his appearances spark excitement.

Fightful's writeup references Ibou of WrestlePurists, who tweeted this week that Punk's long-term WWE goal is to succeed Michaels in NXT:

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Per Fightful's WWE sources, such an outcome is a "long way off," and there are no plans for Michaels to finish up in his role. Nonetheless, the Survivor Series 2023 returnee keeps leaving positive impressions during his Performance Center visits, though whether or not they are set to continue is unclear.

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Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.