Since CM Punk’s unexpected return to WWE in November 2023, the wrestling landscape has been buzzing with excitement and speculation. One of the closest witnesses to Punk’s transformation has been WWE veteran and longtime peer, The Miz. Recently, The Miz revealed the biggest changes he’s noticed in Punk since his initial WWE departure and shared what it was like backstage the night Punk shocked fans by showing up at Raw before officially leaving AEW.
A Shift in CM Punk’s Attitude and Demeanor
The Miz, who has known CM Punk since their early days in Ohio Valley Wrestling, admitted he was surprised not only by Punk’s sudden Raw appearance in 2023 but also by the evolution in Punk’s attitude. In an interview with Adrian Hernandez on the Unlikely podcast, The Miz recalled being genuinely caught off guard when Punk approached him backstage in Chicago during Raw and offered an apology. This moment contrasted starkly with their past relationship, which had seen strain due to Punk’s previous criticisms of The Miz and WWE’s Saudi Arabia business dealings.
“Honestly, I didn’t know what to expect when he came down the stairs and said ‘Hey,’” The Miz said. “It was a total surprise — and a positive one at that.” He added that since Punk’s official WWE return, it’s clear that Punk’s mood and approach have changed drastically. “When he left WWE the first time, he didn’t seem like a happy person. Now, he seems very happy backstage. It’s almost like I have a totally different person in front of me,” The Miz noted[1].
From Rivalry to Mentorship: Punk’s New Role Behind the Scenes
The Miz also highlighted Punk’s new role within WWE as more than just a competitor. He emphasized how Punk has embraced a mentorship position, helping guide younger talent while maintaining his fierce competitive edge in the ring.
“It’s cool to see the change — he’s mentoring, pushing the younger guys, but still brings that same fire when it’s time to compete,” Miz shared. “That balance is what really impresses me.” This depiction of CM Punk suggests that his return isn’t simply a nostalgia act but a meaningful reinvestment in WWE’s future talent pipeline[1].
The Surprise Raw Night: A Moment Wrestlers Will Never Forget
Insiders close to WWE reveal that Punk’s unannounced Raw appearance in 2023 came with a wave of backstage shock and admiration. According to a WWE insider, “His arrival was totally unexpected. Everyone backstage went from confusion to excitement in seconds. It felt like the company had rediscovered a lost piece.”
This night not only energized the WWE roster but also symbolized Punk’s commitment to putting the past behind him and fully immersing himself back into WWE’s ecosystem. The Miz said, “It was one of those moments where you just knew something big was about to happen. Punk walking through that curtain felt like the start of a new chapter”[1].
Mending Bridges: WWE Backstage Atmosphere Improving
The Miz’s comments also emphasize the broader positive shift in backstage culture since Punk’s return. The apology that started the thaw in Miz-Punk relations is one example of a changing environment, where past grievances are being left behind for the sake of professional growth and shared goals.
Sources close to the locker room have noted that Punk’s change in attitude has ripple effects, helping foster a more collaborative and respectful atmosphere among talent who once viewed him as a divisive figure. “He’s bringing a new energy — more positive, more focused. It’s contagious,” shared a WWE insider familiar with the locker room dynamics.
The Miz Weighs in On Punk’s Legacy and Future in WWE
The Miz, a self-described “sponge” in wrestling and life, expressed renewed respect for Punk and what he aims to accomplish moving forward, both inside and outside the ring. By embracing a happier mindset and taking on mentorship duties, Punk is helping bridge WWE’s past stars with its next generation.
The Miz’s change of heart is clear: “I’m proud to call him one of my closest friends now. Seeing how much he’s grown, and how he’s changed, it’s inspiring”[3]. He added that Punk’s presence boosts WWE’s overall star power and narrative potential heading into the company’s major events in 2025 and beyond.
What This Means for WWE Fans in 2025 and Beyond
Wrestling fans can expect CM Punk to play a multifaceted role—delivering high-profile matches while also fostering new talent behind the scenes. The Miz’s insights into Punk’s transformation provide an encouraging glimpse into WWE’s evolving locker room culture and superstar dynamics.
As WWE builds toward WrestleMania and other marquee shows, the collaboration between veterans like The Miz and returning icons like Punk could fuel some of the biggest storylines and in-ring performances of the year.
Backstage Quote:
“Punk’s return is more than just a comeback — it’s a rebirth. He’s not only competing but helping shape the future of WWE,” revealed a WWE insider familiar with the locker room vibe[1].
With these insights from The Miz, it’s clear that CM Punk’s WWE comeback storyline is enriched by real human growth and renewed bonds, making his return one of the most compelling narratives in modern sports entertainment.