Tough Enough Alumni Claims CM Punk Remains Unchanged After WWE Comeback

WWE Tough Enough 1 winner Maven Huffman doesn't believe in the good guy persona of CM Punk since returning at Survivor Series 2023.

Tough Enough Alumni Claims CM Punk Remains Unchanged After WWE Comeback

CM Punk and Maven (via WWE and Maven's YouTube channel)

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It is safe to say that CM Punk is one of the most polarising figures in wrestling history. Although a legend in his own right, it is a well-known fact that the former WWE Champion was difficult to work with and has been hostile with several of his current and former co-workers. The infamous comments made at AEW All Out 2022 post-show media scrum led to real-life brawls with Kenny Omega and The Young Bucks and ultimately his departure from the company. 

Meanwhile, Punk famously walked out of the WWE a decade ago over dissatisfactory booking. ‘The Second City Saint’ even had a tumultuous relationship with the likes of Vince McMahon, Triple H, and top stars like Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins. But since his return to the company at Survivor Series 2023, things have certainly changed, and relationships have mended. 

Backstage reports have indicated that Punk has learned from his past errors and has even mended fences with the WWE CCO and other backstage top-dogs. However, not everyone thinks this is true. While many, including Punk himself, have suggested that the Chicago-Made star has matured and is a better version of himself this time around, one former WWE star isn’t convinced.

On his YouTube channel, Maven Huffman reviewed WWE Unreal and Punk’s role in the new series. During his breakdown, the former Tough Enough winner argued that Punk hasn’t changed as much as fans or the company might claim, and all of this is just for show. 

The new, brand new and improved, lighter side of Punk that Hunter claims he heard over the phone, or he met in person and saw and said ‘Hey, let’s give him another shot,’ that’s all bulls**t. The moment he’s saying that Seth is a version of him, and that’s why he’s got this WWE Universe, it’s because he’s stealing from me. It’s the same dude. But, I didn’t think that dude needed to change anyway.

Maven Huffman via his YouTube channel

Despite Huffman’s stance, multiple reports suggest Punk is now more level-headed and eager to help other talent in WWE. Moreover, Punk’s relationship with stars like Cody Rhodes, Rhea Ripley, and Bayley has given fans a reason to believe that he has certainly changed for the better. 

Paul Heyman credits CM Punk for earning his WrestleMania 41 main event despite a bitter rivalry

At WrestleMania 41, CM Punk finally accomplished something he never managed during his first WWE run, closing the biggest show of the year. For context, one of Punk’s biggest grievances between 2011 and 2013 was that The Rock seemingly came out of nowhere to claim the WrestleMania 28 and 29 main event spots alongside John Cena, leaving Punk on the outside looking in.

Seth Rollins and Paul Heyman
Seth Rollins and Paul Heyman (via WWE)

That changed at WrestleMania 41, when Punk faced Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins in a 40-minute marathon match, fulfilling his long-held dream, and doing so alongside his best friend, Paul Heyman. However, the partnership didn’t last. Heyman soon betrayed Punk, aligning himself with the reigning World Heavyweight Champion.

Despite the animosity between them, Heyman still made a point to acknowledge and credit Punk’s achievement. On The Ariel Helwani Show, Heyman recalled the heartfelt exchange he shared with Punk in the gorilla position before Punk’s first WrestleMania main event.

I told him, ‘You made it, and you did it on your own terms. This isn’t charity, politics, or appeasement. You’re in the main event of WrestleMania because you earned it. You worked your whole life for this. Enjoy it for everything it is, you made this happen… I’m so proud of you, and the best part is we get to walk out there together. Thank you for letting me be a part of it.

Paul Heyman via The Ariel Helwani Show

Today, Punk and Heyman are bitter rivals, with Paul now aligned with Rollins. Still, no matter what happens next between them, that backstage moment in April perfectly captured wrestling’s unique mix of raw human connection and larger-than-life storytelling.

Most recently, Rollins reignited his feud with Punk by faking a knee injury at SummerSlam, cashing in his Money in the Bank contract, and becoming the new World Champion.

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