The wrestling scene never overlooks CM Punk whenever he is in the limelight. Last Wednesday, the outspoken WWE star was on ESPN on Pardon My Take to advertise the upcoming WrestlePalooza in Indianapolis, but the discussion went way beyond that. Punk provided the fans with an open view of his long-term goals in wrestling and how he was going to live his life.
Five-Tool Player in the Future of WWE.
When Punk was questioned about his future career after leaving the in-ring, he was quick to add that he is versatile. By calling himself a five-tool player, he clarified that he can be used by WWE in many ways to showcase his skills.
On commentary, I can place you, he said, indicating his ability to tell stories and entertain. Even thinking of refereeing, as he grinned, he even suggested that, though he was joking, it probably would not work, lest he, by doing so, remove some of the attention which the man in the ring might be getting. Classic Punk- crisp, self-conscious, and a bit saucy.
Off the mic, Punk has given attention to the behind-the-scenes functions that he admires, producers (or as he still prefers to refer to them as agents), writers, and the creative minds that drive the WWE programming. He said he loves everything about the business, before adding, jokingly, that there are a thousand hats I can wear when I am crippled and can no longer do it. His words had a sense of both appreciation of the profession and a will to be an inseparable part of the industry even after his in-ring career is over.
A Shift Toward Mindfulness
As career planning was the main focus, Punk also shared his personal perspectives on life. He showed a renewed desire to be mindful and live in the present:
“I am more present. I’m more like, in the now. Not concerned about yesterday, not concerned about what the hell we are doing tomorrow.
It is a cool outlook of a person who is usually characterized by a hard stand and a face-to-face. To Punk, living in the present has come to match the future in terms of value to it. And I can take it, as I know it will not last forever, I said, and I recognize the evanescence of a wrestling career.
My Take
The recent statements of CM Punk provide a multifaceted image of a man who is as interesting out of the ring as in it. His self-perception as an all-round performer, a commentator, a producer, or a creative power source indicates how well acquainted he was with the sport of wrestling as an art form. The fans can now feel confident knowing that Punk is keen on remaining close to the business even after his in-ring career has ended.
However, what is most startling perhaps is his acceptance of the moment. Wrestling is a nostalgic or a business that is often obsessed with the next big thing, yet the conscious attitude exhibited by Punk is an indicator of growth and balance. It describes a picture of a veteran who is not just thinking of tomorrow but also enjoying today.
To summarize, CM Punk is showing that his biggest contribution to the world of professional wrestling is not necessarily over, be it through his acting, imagination, or even just his inimitable voice.