CM Punk Reveals Details of His WWE hiatus

It’s been a pretty personal story that has gotten closed-mouthed silence after WWE’s WrestleMania 42, but it’s finally being made public with CM Punk. The Undisputed WWE Champion said that his break wasn’t due to injury or surgery. Rather, he avoided the ring to mourn the loss of a number of dear friends and spend quality time with his wife, AJ Lee. His remarks have provided some clarity to fans about why he’s not appearing on WWE shows anymore, without any explanation.

Punk, in an interview with ESPN New York, recalled the unique circumstance of taking time off from wrestling for personal reasons, and not to recover. It was the first “real” extended layoff of his career without injury, he said.

“In my business, in this company, for me to be able to say that I had time off and it wasn’t due to injury or surgery is remarkable. It was the first time in my career I had time off without having to get surgery or be injured. I was hanging out with my wife man,” Punk said.

His personal losses were the reason for his decision

Punk said he suffered some very heartbreaking defeats as World Heavyweight Champion on Raw. But he went on doing what he loved, appearing on WWE TV, without ever speaking openly about what was happening in his life behind-the-scenes.

I am not saying that it was a bad year, but it was a rough year to some degree. I was World Heavyweight Champion on Raw for quite some time, and during that entire time I was champion, I had at least three or four people who were very close to me pass away,” Punk said.

There was some stuff I needed to process, so I didn’t talk about it out loud, but each time I was at work the next day. I was getting through it here with my road family and I was able to connect with the fans on that level, with my time away, that helped me a little bit.”

Now it’s Time With AJ Lee And WWE Return.Now it’s Time With AJ Lee And WWE Return.

During the break, spending time with his wife, AJ Lee, was his number one priority, he said. Since they tied the knot in 2014, the couple has had some great time together, but that all changed when Punk took up his demanding WWE schedule.

One day away from my wife is one day too many, I have been with her every single day, now that I am back I’m champ, I’m on the road. I’m full-time guy, Punk said, “as full time as it gets.”

He also addressed the criticism about his absence

Well, if you are upset that I was weeping for some deceased friends, it’s a you problem,” said Punk. “It’s a wonderful occasion to celebrate individuals taking a bit of time for themselves.”

Punk came back to WWE on the July 6 show of Raw, winning the Undisputed WWE Championship for the third time by defeating Sami Zayn. Now, he’s looking to defend the title against Cody Rhodes at SummerSlam.