In a bold new interview, WWE rising star Grayson Waller openly challenged legendary superstar CM Punk, claiming the veteran has softened over the years and expressing his eagerness to reignite the fire that once defined Punk’s career. Waller’s comments not only underline his ambition to wrestle one of WWE’s biggest names but also hint at a deeper desire to bring out a more aggressive and authentic side of Punk through their potential rivalry.
Waller’s Dream Match: CM Punk
During a candid chat on Insight with Chris Van Vliet, Grayson Waller revealed his ultimate wrestling dream: to face CM Punk in the ring. Waller’s admiration for Punk dates back to the days when Punk was a major star in Ring of Honor (ROH), where Waller first became a fan.
Waller remarked, “I want Punk so bad, dude. I’ve watched him for a long time, especially his ROH stuff. I even loved when he signed his WWE contract while still ROH Champion—that was iconic.” Despite this reverence, Waller noted a personal disappointment with the version of Punk currently seen in WWE.
He stated, “When Punk came back, I said some mean things about him online. For example, I once took a superkick from Jey Uso on the day Punk left AEW, and I posted a photo icing my jaw with a Pepsi can just to stir up some fun. When Punk returned, I thought, ‘This is gonna be chaos.’ I was ready to fight him backstage because I expected the same rebellious Punk I’d admired. Instead, it’s a real soft Punk now. I want to find out who the real Punk is”[2][7].
A Changed Punk?
Waller’s observations highlight the transformation CM Punk has undergone since rejoining WWE. Multiple backstage sources note that Punk has become notably more approachable and helpful than in his earlier days in the business. According to insiders, Punk now acts as a mentor and calming voice for younger talent and tends to avoid locker room conflicts that once characterized his reputation[8].
Despite acknowledging this softer demeanor, Waller is determined to bring out the tougher, no-nonsense Punk that made him a legend. He explained, “That’s not the Punk that I love. I want to bring it back out. I’ve told him to his face that there will be a day where I’ll stand across from him with a microphone and tell him what I think, and I want to hear what he thinks about me. That’s gonna be magic”[7].
Waller’s Confidence: Ready to Show His Mean Side
Grayson Waller believes the chance to feud with CM Punk will reveal a new dimension of his own character on WWE’s main roster. Known for his charismatic and often mischievous style, Waller hinted at a darker, more ruthless persona ready to emerge when faced with such an opponent.
“I don’t think we’ve seen NXT Waller on the main roster yet. I’ve been fun, but not as mean or cruel as I can get. When I lock in, I’m a different breed. Just talking about it gets me fired up. If you want to see a different side of me, put me against that guy, and I’ll show you the real me”[7].
Industry analysts point out Waller’s heel potential is primed to shine in such a high-profile program, suggesting this rivalry could elevate him significantly.
Backstage Buzz: Waller’s Boldness Garners Attention
According to a WWE insider close to the locker room, Waller’s outspoken nature and readiness to go toe-to-toe with a legend like Punk have made waves backstage. “Grayson has guts to call out a guy like Punk because he knows it puts him on WWE’s radar big time,” the source revealed. “The industry respects that kind of confidence mixed with talent.”
This insider also confirmed that Waller’s comments about preparing for a possible backstage altercation when Punk returned to WWE reflected his genuine excitement, not just trash talk. “He was ready for chaos, ready to prove himself immediately. That’s the kind of competitor WWE wants to invest in,” the source added.
Potential Impact on WWE Storylines
If WWE chooses to capitalize on this brewing tension, a Waller-Punk feud could be a refreshing storyline blending generational conflict with real-life wrestling history. Both wrestlers’ contrasting personas—Punk’s seasoned veteran status versus Waller’s brash youth—would likely generate strong fan interest and create compelling TV moments.
Moreover, Waller’s ambition to draw out a more aggressive CM Punk could challenge Punk to explore new character depths for his current WWE run, adding layers to his storyline after his high-profile battles with stars like Seth Rollins and Logan Paul[4][7].
What Fans Can Expect
Fans eager to see Waller-WrestleMania-style promos can look forward to intense verbal sparring and a psychologically charged build-up. Waller’s knack for stirring the pot and Punk’s sharp wit guarantee unpredictable promos, possibly raising stakes beyond just in-ring competition.
The in-ring matchup itself promises to mix Waller’s dynamic, high-energy offense with Punk’s calculated, storytelling approach—a contrast that has historically produced memorable matches for Punk’s career.
Final Thoughts
Grayson Waller’s candid callout of CM Punk signals his arrival as a confident, ambitious competitor aiming to cement his legacy by facing one of wrestling’s most polarizing and influential figures. Assertive and unafraid of confrontation, Waller wants to bring back the raw edge of the CM Punk that captivated audiences in ROH and early WWE days.
As one backstage source put it, “If WWE ever books this match, it’s going to be a turning point for both guys — Waller gets to show what he’s made of, and Punk gets to remind everybody why he’s the best in the world.”
With both wrestlers now in WWE’s spotlight, fans and insiders alike will be watching closely to see if this fantasy dream match finally becomes reality.