CM Punk Claims WWE/UFC Partnership Takes Wrestling Back To Its Roots

CM Punk is a big supporter of the partnership between WWE and UFC.

In 2014 with his wrestling career seemingly behind him, CM Punk embarked on a new journey with UFC. The star made his debut for the promotion at UFC 203 on September 10th, 2016, but was quickly defeated by Mickey Gall via submission in the first round.

Following the loss, Punk fought again in 2018, taking on Mike Jackson but was defeated via unanimous decision. The result was overturned and the fight was declared a no-contest after Jackson tested positive for marijuana.

In the months leading up to his return to WWE in late 2023, the company was merged with UFC, and a new company called the TKO Group was created. Since then, there has been continued crossover between the two promotions.

In a new clip released by TKO on social media, Punk talked up the partnership.

“There’s a lot of reasons why I think the crossover between WWE and UFC is important. We are under the TKO umbrella, but to me, what’s important about this is that it brings pro wrestling back to its roots. I think there is a lot of similarities, there is a lot of parallels, and at the end of the day, we are all brothers and sisters, and we are all fighters. It’s very exciting for me to see.”

CM Punk Closing On In-Ring Return

Meanwhile, CM Punk has been spotted at the WWE Performance Center as he works to get cleared to get back in the ring. Although he’s not yet been given the green light, the expectation is that he will be ready to compete at SummerSlam.

At the event, Punk is expected to face Drew McIntyre, even though there’s yet to be an official announcement.

Rhea Ripley also hasn’t been cleared to wrestle despite a match against Liv Morgan being confirmed for the event. Again, everyone is confident Ripley will be cleared before showtime.

H/t to WrestlingNews.Co