Mick Foley has looked back on a conversation with a frustrated CM Punk that took place almost 10 years ago.
As is well known in 2023, Punk reached a boiling point with his frustrations with WWE and walked out of the company the night after the 2014 Royal Rumble. At one point seemingly done with professional wrestling forever, the former World Champion made his debut for AEW in 2021. Once again establishing himself as a top star, The Best in the World would return at Survivor Series 2023, being the latest former star to return to the company after elevating themselves in a rival promotion.
Foley looked back on the text message he received from Punk while appearing on The Bump. The Hardcore Legend recalled Punk telling him that the only way he would be a star in WWE was if he left and returned:
“I remember getting a text from Punk when he left after the Rumble [in 2014]. He was upset, and he and I were pretty close back then. He said, ‘I’ve realized the only way to really make it there, to earn your respect, is to go somewhere else, and then come back.’ He did. It was what, nine years ago? Ten years next month. He’s bigger than ever. No denial of his talent, and that he is going to raise people. People are going to want to not only hang with him, but whether they realize it or not, impress him, and that’s how levels get raised,”
Mick Foley Has Previously Gone To Bat For Released Stars
Despite no longer being a part of WWE, the Hall of Famer still wants to see the company and its stars succeed. When another former champion was released by the company, Mick Foley got in touch with Triple H to ask that he give the wrestler a second chance.
H/t to Fightful.