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Since WWE’s merger into TKO Group Holdings, several changes have subtly reshaped the promotion, including a noticeable decline in their focus on house shows. Interestingly enough, CM Punk has now explained why he misses WWE’s older schedule, which had more live events.
While speaking to the Nightcap podcast, CM Punk talked about why he misses WWE’s grueling schedule under the old regime. He explained that things used to be different because wrestling was mainly about live shows, not big TV deals like Netflix.
Punk noted that in the past, wrestlers made money from live events, doing TV tapings on Mondays and then traveling for shows on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. They would record SmackDown on Tuesdays, meaning they were on the road five or six days a week, plus handling press and other duties.
“Definitely, it used to be different back in the day, but now things have changed. Things have changed because of these big TV deals, like the big Netflix deal. The money in wrestling used to be driven by live events. We’d do TV on a Monday, but I’d be on the road Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. We’d record SmackDown on a Tuesday, so I’d be on the road five or six days a week, and that’s on top of all the press and everything else.”
Punk said that while the current schedule is easier and better for the wrestlers, something is missing. The old live events gave them a chance to perform just for the fans without worrying about TV. He said those events helped wrestlers get better through practice, and he personally misses that.
“Nowadays, it’s a lot less demanding. I think it’s better for all the athletes, but you do wind up missing out on those live shows where you’re just wrestling for the fans and not necessarily for TV. You build up a callus from those experiences, you know? And we’re kind of missing that right now—at least I know I am.”
Punk mentioned his recent Christmas tour during the holidays, which took him to Pittsburgh for a Netflix project, then to Madison Square Garden, back to Pittsburgh, then Baltimore, Chicago, and finally Houston for TV. He said being on the road, interacting with fans, and hanging out with the other wrestlers was his favorite part. While TV work can be fun, it’s more stressful, and live events felt more relaxed and enjoyable.
“We just did a Christmas loop over the holidays. I was in Pittsburgh doing the Netflix thing for the football game, and then we went to Madison Square Garden, back to Pittsburgh, then to Baltimore, over to Chicago, and down to Houston for TV. That’s my bread and butter—being on the road, hanging out with the boys, and getting to interact with fans. You just have… I don’t want to say more fun, because TV can be fun, but TV is more of a high-pressure situation.”
The Second City Saint certainly had a great time during the Holiday Tour live events last year, competing in matches against GUNTHER and rescuing Damian Priest while wearing a towel. Regardless, while Punk appreciates the reduced schedule, he simply feels there is a charm to live events that current WWE Superstars will not get as much anymore and has accepted that fact.
What do you think of CM Punk’s thoughts on the shift away from live events in WWE? Do you believe the old schedule was better for wrestlers’ growth and fan interaction? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.
Please credit Ringside News if you use the above transcript in your publication.
