CM Punk: “I’m Very Polarizing For Some Odd Reason”

CM Punk doesn’t know what all the fuss is about.

On August 3rd, CM Punk will return to the ring for the first time in a little over six months. The former AEW star has been out of action since suffering a torn triceps during the men’s Royal Rumble match in a scuffle with Drew McIntyre.

Since that moment, Punk and McIntyre have been sworn enemies with the former costing the Scottish star the World Heavyweight Title on no less than two occasions.

With the tension between the pair at an all-time high, they will now meet at SummerSlam to settle their differences. And not only that, Seth Rollins will be serving as the special guest referee.

During an appearance on ESPN’s First Take, Punk was asked about getting back in the ring after such a long layoff.

“I’m extremely pumped. It’s been a long road to get back to WWE. We obviously have had our problems, I’ll say. To come back and get injured in January was pretty crushing. It gave me a lot to do in rehab. Being able to refocus and really seize the opportunity that I’ve been given,”

In response to being asked about McIntyre specifically, Punk gave a typically prickly answer.

“I’m a target for Drew. That’s really all there is to it. Drew keeps poking the bear. Sometimes you have to let them know who the man is.”

It was then put to Punk that McIntyre said he wasn’t a leader.

“I never claimed to be one. I’m just trying to do my job. I’m just trying to wrestle. I’m very polarizing for some odd reason.”

When asked why he thinks he’s so polarizing, Punk said it comes back to his willingness to speak his mind.

“I tend to say how I feel, to a fault. I stand up for myself. A lot of people don’t like that. There is always friction. I will be as polite and as kind to anybody as I possibly can. When they step out of line, I’m kind of the guy that checks them.”

CM Punk Recalls Being Banned By WWE

During a different appearance, CM Punk recalled being banned by WWE before even signing with the company.

During a try-out match in 2003, Punk hit his opponent with a Hammerlock DDT, which was immediately deemed too dangerous. The star added that he was placed on a “banned list,” but that didn’t stop him stepping forward on the second night of his try-out to face the Road Warriors.

H/t to Fightful