Credit: WWE.com
In a candid interview with Adrian Hernandez of Unlikely, WWE veteran The Miz opened up about the unexpected backstage apology he received from CM Punk during an episode of WWE Raw in April 2023. The Miz revealed that he was taken aback when Punk, still under AEW contract at the time, approached him to clear the air over their past tensions and controversial comments. This moment marked a turning point in their long and complicated relationship, showcasing the growth and maturity both superstars have experienced over their two-decade careers.
From Road Partners to Rivalry: A Complex WWE History
The Miz and CM Punk’s shared history dates back to their early days in Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW), WWE’s former developmental territory. The Miz nostalgically recounted how they used to travel together in a van alongside other wrestlers like Swoggle, long before smartphones made social interactions easier. Back then, conversations during those long rides laid the foundation for a deep, if occasionally fraught, relationship.
“We used to be five guys plus Swoggle, all crammed in a van driving town to town,” Miz recalled. “No iPhones back then. You just talked. We have such a rich history… Memories from OVW, where we were all trying to become someone. And now, 20 years later, here we are someone”.
Despite their camaraderie during those early days, their paths diverged with increasing public disagreements, including inflammatory remarks from Punk. At one point, Punk notoriously fired off a harsh tweet aimed exclusively at The Miz, referencing WWE’s controversial relationship with Saudi Arabia in a way that drew significant attention and backlash.
The Unexpected Apology That Changed Everything
The Miz admitted that when CM Punk appeared backstage at Raw in Chicago in April 2023, he did not know what to anticipate. “Yeah, I didn’t know what to expect. I remember coming down the stairs and seeing him and being like, ‘Hey.’ I just wasn’t sure”. The event was particularly striking since Punk was still contractually bound to AEW but made this surprise visit during WWE programming.
What stood out to Miz was not just the apology but the visible change in Punk. “I remember when he was at the tail end and it didn’t seem like he was a happy person,” Miz explained. “Now, I see him backstage and it’s a different person than I remember. He seems very happy. I wouldn’t say complacent because he’s always competitive and wants to be number one. But he’s also teaching a lot. It’s cool to see the change and happiness”.
This transformation highlights Punk’s evolution from a polarizing figure to a respected mentor in the locker room, an arc culminating with his official WWE return in November 2023. The Miz’s reflections suggest that Punk’s maturity has fostered a more positive backstage environment, at least between the two.
Wrestling Insiders Weigh In
According to sources close to WWE’s creative team, CM Punk’s backstage reconciliation with The Miz represented more than just a personal gesture it was a symbol of Punk’s broader effort to rebuild bridges within the industry.
A WWE insider shared, “CM Punk’s apology to The Miz was genuine and heartfelt. It sent a message that he’s serious about moving forward positively in WWE, not just in his performance but in locker room relationships as well.” This sentiment aligns with observations from other locker room veterans, who say Punk’s return has reinvigorated the competitive spirit among WWE veterans while fostering camaraderie.
The Miz on the Road Ahead: Respect and Competition
Though the past between The Miz and CM Punk included some rocky moments, The Miz now regards their relationship with respect and a renewed sense of partnership. The pro-wrestler acknowledged the uniqueness of their shared journey, from soaking in lessons in OVW to becoming integral parts of the WWE landscape for over 20 years.
The underlying respect is clear: “There are not many of us who have been here for 20 years and have been able to teach, learn, and adapt,” Miz said. “We both want to be number one. That competitive fire hasn’t changed, but the happiness and maturity have”.
This competitive spirit will continue to fuel WWE storylines and in-ring action, especially since voices like Miz and Punk’s embody the experience and passion that resonate with longtime fans.
What Punk’s Return Means for WWE
CM Punk’s return to WWE and his efforts to repair past fractures including the high-profile one with Miz may signal a new era for the company. Industry insiders note that Punk, alongside other key veterans like Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins, is influencing a dynamic shift backstage.
As one creative source explained, “There’s a subtle but palpable ‘fight’ among top stars like Punk, Cody, and Seth to not only perform at their best but also shape WWE’s future creatively and culturally. Punk’s apology to Miz was just one step on that journey”.
The Miz’s reaction to Punk’s apology is emblematic of this broader environment: wrestlers evolving not only as performers but as leaders and teachers, committed to elevating WWE to new heights.