Grayson Waller thinks rumors of CM Punk stirring discontent have been greatly exaggerated.
Survivor Series 2023 saw CM Punk make a shocking return to WWE for the first time since his acrimonious exit in 2014. Initial reports indicated that multiple roster members were upset by his comeback, and Seth Rollins was visibly angry during his return, though this was later proven to be part of an angle between the two men.
However, Punk was said to be on his best behavior at Monday Night Raw on November 27th, and recent reports indicate that he’s been extremely pleasant and helpful during his recent time at the WWE Performance Center.
Speaking in a new interview with Adrian Hernandez, SmackDown star Grayson Waller opened up about his feelings on Punk coming back to WWE, saying the Second City Savior has brought nothing but positive energy.
“I didn’t realize how wrong the internet was about everything until I came to WWE and I was actually backstage and saw some things. I don’t think there is anything but positive energy about CM Punk coming back.
“The entire roster right now is great, from top to bottom. Everyone is challenging each other, everyone wants to be the top guy, but no one is stepping on anyone to get there. Maybe me, I don’t mind doing that, but everyone is working together. We want this product to succeed and I think that’s what’s happening.
“Everyone is buzzing to have him back. Why would you not want to have this guy who can cut incredible promos, he can have great matches, who the crowd wants to see, who is super controversial? If you don’t want him back here, you’re stupid type of thing.
“For me, personally, I said some things online about Punk when I heard the rumors. I like to play with the rumors and have some fun, that type of thing. I got to meet him recently, and that’s all I’ll say about that.”
Grayson Waller Also Praised CM Punk’s Trainer Ace Steel
Continuing, Grayson Waller spoke about being trained by Ace Steel, who worked in NXT from October 2020 to January 2022. Steel stirred controversy when he was fired from AEW as a result of his participation in the 2022 All Out brawl, Waller has nothing but praise for the man.
“I was trained in NXT originally by Ace Steel, who is obviously Punk’s coach as well. I know the type of training he went through. Ace Steel is a great trainer. He’s hard-nosed, very to the point. He got me a lot of my first matches in NXT. I have nothing but positive things to say about Ace and nothing but positive things to say currently about Punk. I’m sure that’ll change in the future.”
Ace Steel himself recently spoke about himself and CM Punk exiting AEW in September of 2023.
h/t Fightful