Eric Bischoff has once again weighed in on CM Punk’s current WWE status, insisting the star’s popularity is off the charts—so much so that Punk doesn’t actually need to hold the WWE World Heavyweight Championship to remain a top draw. Speaking ahead of WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event on Peacock, Bischoff expressed his views on Punk’s position in the company and made predictions for the night’s key title matches.
CM Punk’s Popularity Surpasses Championship Status
During an episode of the “83 Weeks” podcast, Eric Bischoff emphasized just how over CM Punk is with the WWE fanbase right now. According to Bischoff, Punk’s connection with the crowd is so intense it borders on unprecedented in modern WWE history.
“He’s so freaking over. It’s ridiculous,” Bischoff stated. “Honestly, he doesn’t need the WWE World Title right now to prove he’s the guy. The fans have already made him their centerpiece.”
This assessment highlights a growing sentiment that Punk has transcended the traditional mold of being a merely title-holding star. His charisma, in-ring skills, and compelling storylines have created a unique momentum that makes him one of WWE’s most bankable and relied-upon talents in 2025.
A WWE insider confidentially revealed, “Punk’s presence draws huge attention; merchandise sales and social media engagement spike whenever he’s involved. The company knows his value doesn’t hinge solely on championship gold.” This backstage perspective aligns with Bischoff’s remarks that Punk’s appeal goes beyond just holding a belt.
Predictions for WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event Title Matches
Bischoff also offered his take on the three main championship bouts scheduled for the November 1 episode of Saturday Night’s Main Event, focusing especially on the WWE Title match between Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre.
Regarding Cody Rhodes vs. Drew McIntyre, Bischoff called it “a tough one” given both men’s standing. He noted that McIntyre could be seen as ready for “his rocket ride” back to the top, but Rhodes’s current momentum and story position make this matchup an intriguing toss-up.
Additionally, Bischoff discussed the vacant World Heavyweight Championship situation following Seth Rollins’ injury. With Rollins sidelined, WWE staged a battle royal that Jey Uso won, setting up a clash with CM Punk for the title. Bischoff pointed out the potential involvement of Jimmy Uso, especially since Jey eliminated Jimmy during the battle royal — a narrative thread likely to carry into their title match.
An industry source close to Cody Rhodes commented, “There’s a lot of respect backstage for the work Drew and Cody are putting in. Whoever walks out with the WWE Title will have earned it, and the fans are in for a treat.”
The LA Knight Factor and WWE’s Title Picture
An interesting aside raised by wrestling analysts centers on LA Knight, who was eliminated during the battle royal but appeared to be an undercurrent in the title scene. Despite his popularity, insiders observe that LA Knight remains just outside of major world title plans, especially as newer stars like Bron Breakker loom on the horizon.
One source revealed, “LA Knight has a significant fanbase, but creative seems hesitant to push him into top championship runs, preferring to build around others like Punk and usage of the Usos.”
This backdrop adds further intrigue to how WWE is managing its roster and storylines, particularly during a time of injury reshuffles and vacant titles.
Bischoff and Punk: Past Tensions Thawed?
Eric Bischoff and CM Punk have historically engaged in public disputes and criticisms, making Bischoff’s recent praise even more notable. According to reports, the two have recently cleared the air, putting any previous discord behind them, which likely opened the door for more candid commentary.
The renewed professional respect emphasizes how Punk’s current WWE run has not only silenced many doubters but has earned praise from even his harshest critics.
Why CM Punk Does Not “Need” The WWE World Title Right Now
The idea that CM Punk doesn’t “need” the WWE World Heavyweight Championship to validate his status stems from several key factors:
Fan Support: Punk’s fan connection is organic and extremely strong—meaning he draws viewers and sells merchandise with or without holding the title.
Brand Value: His segments garner high ratings and social media buzz, making him invaluable for WWE’s broader branding and marketing.
Storytelling Flexibility: Punk’s character presents creative options that don’t necessarily rely on championship placement but rather on engaging rivalries and match quality.
A WWE creative team member shared on condition of anonymity, “With Punk, there’s no rush. His star power means we can craft stories that don’t revolve around him just needing to be champion. It gives us room to write more nuanced angles.”
Looking Ahead: The Championship Landscape in WWE
With the WWE World Heavyweight Championship vacancy forcing story reshuffles, and CM Punk’s overwhelming popularity redefining star status, WWE appears to be navigating a complex balancing act.
Eric Bischoff’s comments underscore a transformative moment in WWE where being the champion is no longer the sole measure of a top star’s impact. For CM Punk, who has ridden a wave of momentum since his return, this translates to a prominent position irrespective of belt status.
As Saturday Night’s Main Event unfolds, all eyes will be on Punk, Cody Rhodes, Drew McIntyre, and Jey Uso to see who emerges with gold and how the ongoing narratives evolve. Wrestling insiders suggest the outcomes could influence WWE’s booking strategies moving into 2026, as they aim to capitalize on Punk’s unparalleled connection with the audience while building future stars.
According to a WWE insider, “The company is aware Punk’s popularity is peaking, and they want to keep that going without necessarily having him tied to a specific championship. It’s a smart move that respects his legacy and current superstar status.”
For wrestling fans, this means exciting times ahead where championships are vital but not always the defining factor for WWE’s biggest names like CM Punk.