Donald Trump once played a major role in CM Punk’s friend getting a WWE contract from Vince McMahon

Ace Steel recounts how his performance as 'fake' Donald Trump impressed Vince McMahon.

Donald Trump once played a major role in CM Punk’s friend getting a WWE contract from Vince McMahon

Donald Trump, Vince McMahon, and CM Punk (via CNBC/SEScoops)

The ‘Battle of the Billionaires’ rivalry between Vince McMahon and Donald Trump proved a huge financial success at WrestleMania 23. During the road to the show, the Chairman capitalized on his rival’s real-life feud with Rosie O’Donnell. Interestingly, Ace Steel, CM Punk‘s longtime friend, portrayed the former US President in a match against a ‘fake’ O’Donnell. Recently, the 50-year-old spoke about how his performance on that night earned him a WWE contract.

During an appearance on the Wrestling with Rip Rogers show, Steel reminisced about how Vince called him after his unofficial debut. According to the former ROH superstar, the owner of the Stamford-based promotion ‘loved’ his performance. Moreover, McMahon straightaway hired him on a developmental contract.

Vince loved it. A week later, I got a call. I got hired. I was like, 'Really?'
Ace Steel on how he received his first WWE contract
YouTube video

Steel would end up being released more than a year later. Later, he would return as a Performance Center coach in 2019. After leaving the company in January 2022, Ace joined AEW as a backstage producer.

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However, his stint came to a controversial end after the infamous Brawl Out situation. When CM Punk returned in June, reports circulated that Steel was re-hired ‘quietly’ and was let go again after the Second City Saint was fired by AEW. In the same interview, the former revealed that he was happy to see his protege return to the WWE. 

CM Punk reportedly eyeing future role in NXT

The WWE Universe is still buzzing after CM Punk’s shock return to the WWE. In his limited number of appearances, the Best in the World has managed to steal headlines in the wrestling community. However, the Straight Edge Superstar is seemingly planning for something bigger as well.

Shawn Michaels and CM Punk
Shawn Michaels and CM Punk (via WWE)

According to Fightful Select, CM Punk attended this week’s NXT tapings. Furthermore, he was backstage giving advise to talent and hanging out with superstars in the NXT lounge. Ibou of WrestlePurists added that the ultimate goal of the Second City Saint is to eventually succeed Shawn Michaels on the Gold brand.

https://twitter.com/BackupHangman/status/1734729685693587861?s=20

Furthermore, the Best in the World was analyzing aspects such as TV production backstage. This comes as a major surprise to many fans online. Needless to say, it will be interesting to see how CM Punk’s second run in the company plays out. 

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