GQ.com has posted a brilliant four-page interview with WWE Superstar CM Punk. It’s a long and excellent read that covers all sorts of topics. Obviously Punk has been getting a ton of attention for his current “I’m quitting!” angle, but the interview covers several “real” topics as well. I highly, highly recommend reading the whole thing. For now, here are four of my favorite clips.
On pro-wrestling being one of America’s biggest contributions to the world:
It’s truly, I believe, one of the only art forms that America has actually given to the world, besides jazz and comic books.
On a potential match with “Stone Cold” Steve Austin:
I think the biggest match any wrestling company can do right now is C.M. Punk vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin. I’ve thought that since I was 15. I’m straight edge. I don’t drink. I don’t do drugs. I don’t smoke. And that is the perfect protagonist or antagonist to Stone Cold Steve Austin, depending on how you want to spin it. It writes itself. You would have to try really, really hard to fuck that one up.
On underutilized talent in WWE:
There’s plenty of guys and girls in house that are super-talented that we don’t do enough with. A guy like Evan Bourne, who’s a fantastic high-flyer, does the most fantastic stuff on the roster. I could go on: Kofi Kingston, Dolph Ziggler, Beth Phoenix. There’s Nattie Neidhart, Tyson Kidd. Tyson Kidd is a fantastic wrestler, maybe not the greatest promo. So let’s help him. Let’s teach him to get better instead of signing someone from Europe who failed at Euro football.
On his close friend and former tag-team partner Colt Cabana (Scotty Goldman) getting fired from WWE:
I was really bummed when Cabana got fired. I didn’t feel like it was my fault, but maybe there was something that I could’ve or should’ve done to prevent it. He’s a super-talented guy. I’m brutally honest; he knows that. I can look at him and be like, “Maybe trim up, work out harder, do more cardio.” But when he’s in the ring, he’s the most entertaining guy. A company slogan is “We put smiles on people’s faces.” That’s what that guy does, and he does it with his wrestling style. It’s amazing. I was so bummed when he got fired because I want the best for my friends. If I could somehow trade places with him, I probably would, just so he could experience what I have. He deserves it.
Seriously, go read this interview now (please)!
