Randy Orton opens up about CM Punk‘s return to WWE.
WWE Survivor Series 2023 marked the return of two notable stars as Randy Orton returned to the ring after a career-threatening injury put him out of action for a year-and-a-half. Plus, the show ended with CM Punk making his first WWE appearance in nearly a decade.
Orton recently sat down with Kayla Braxton on The Bump to discuss returning on the same night as his former foe.
“Dude, it was so cool,” Orton said. “I was so nervous, and funny little side story to that day. So for a month prior, there was all these rumors online that I was coming back, but there was also rumors that CM Punk was coming back. Instead of it being a surprise that it was me, instead of Punk, they let everyone know the week prior, ‘Randy Orton’s gonna be the one joining Cody’s team in WarGames.'”
Nobody stepped on anyone’s toes
Orton admitted it “kind of” let the wind out of his sails, considering there was so much anticipation behind his return. However, he could tell that he’s matured because despite wanting to be irate over his return being announced, he still received a great reaction.
“But after all was said and done, I came out, got a great reaction. Punk came out, got a great reaction, and I realized after the fact that nobody stepped on anyone’s toes,” Orton continued. “It was really just a really fun night for the fans. They got Randy Orton back, and they were very happy about that. They weren’t even thinking about Punk. Then here comes Punk. So that reaction was just, they were two different reactions, two different people. Everybody was excited to see us both.
“On a personal level, I was happy to have him back. He’s a hell of a worker, hell of a guy. But it was funny because here I am after 18 months, ready to go, and then, ‘Oh, no, we’re gonna announce your return.’ Then he comes back anyway. Like, ‘Ah.’ But that’s kind of how it goes here, you never know.”
It was nothing but sincere
Orton was then asked how he feels about Punk these days considering their storied history together and stories about Punk in recent years.
“I haven’t been around him for a decade. I remember back in the day, of course, before he left. He had a little bit of a, I guess a dark cloud over him in the locker room, but so did I. So did I. So I can’t really judge, can I? We both had our shit that we were going through, and for whatever reason, and I think now, he’s changed. He’s matured. He’s more mature. I think us pro wrestlers are never really mature, but he’s more mature than he was, as am I.
“I think that when I saw him in Chicago, shook his hand, gave him a little hug, and it was nothing but sincere. We were both happy to see each other, and I want him to do great here. I think the feeling is mutual.”
RELATED: Bayley On CM Punk’s WWE Return: He Looks So Happy
If you use any quotes from this article, please credit The Bump with a h/t to WrestleZone for the transcription.
