The final WWE PLE of the year, NXT Deadline saw both CM Punk and Cora Jade make their returns to the brand.
Punk made his first NXT appearance since 2012 when he and Shawn Michaels opened the show. Punk joined HBK in the ring to tease that he may choose to sign for NXT over Raw or SmackDown.
Later on in the night, Jade made her return to the brand after “leaving” in August. Jade put the entire women’s division on notice when she blindsided Women’s Champion Lyra Valkyeria and held the title above her head. But her night was far from over.
As she was leaving the arena, cameras caught up with Jade to get some answers about her actions. The young star was then joined by Punk who had some encouraging and heartfelt words for her.
This isn’t the first time the two stars have met. Footage of a young Jade meeting Punk at an autograph signing was posted online. The clip shows a tearful Jade thanking and hugging Punk before her father tells him how much of a positive role model and influence he is to her.
When the two met again backstage, Punk was beaming with pride and gave her all the praise in the world.
CM Punk had nothing but praise for NXT star Cora Jade.
You should be very proud of yourself. Often, I feel like I need to be stepping on the gas, and I don’t stop and smell the roses, so you should do that. This is your house now. You should be very proud of yourself and April’s proud of you too.
The up-and-coming star commemorated the reunion by posting photos of the two fellow professional wrestlers posing backstage.