CM Punk found himself in an awkward interview recently when he spoke with Kevin Wong of Complex. Punk noted earlier in the interview that he didn’t feel like answering questions about WWE.
The interviewer then started asking about what his weaknesses were with his MMA training. Things got a little awkward at that point according to the interviewer. Kevin notes that he then asked Punk if he was intimidated to make the transition from wrestling to MMA and Punk didn’t respond well.
The following is an excerpt from the interview:
“When he’s asked if he is anxious or intimidated to make the transition from professional wrestling (where the punches are performed) to MMA (where the punches have malicious intent), he pushes back. His tone is even, but testy. His smirk seems strained.
“I get this question a lot, and it’s like you guys think I’m an idiot. Like I didn’t know MMA wasn’t pre-determined or something like that,” says Punk. After a pause, he gives me side-eye. “Have you ever tweeted at me, ‘Hey, do you know what you’re getting into?’”
“I never have.”
“Okay. It sounds like you might have.”
“I don’t mean to put you on the defensive…”
“I’m not on the defensive. Your question is insulting. You’re asking me if I know the difference between the WWE and the UFC?”
“That’s not what I’m asking.”
“That’s exactly what you’re asking.” When he’s asked how he might respond to fans who question his motives for going into MMA, wonder if it is a publicity stunt, or wonder if he’s ever going to fight, he pushes back again. Now, he’s no longer smiling. “You say my fans say that? You’re mistaken. My fans do not say that. I wouldn’t say anything to them [my critics]. I don’t justify stupidity with an answer. I don’t give a shit what anybody thinks of me, whether I’m going to fight or not. I know what I’m going to do.
“If I did anything in my life based on someone’s negative opinion on me, I would never fucking leave my house. My fans are people who don’t tweet negative shit at me.””
Kevin Wong the interviewer then goes on to say that Punk expressed resentment and pointed to the tape recorder at the end of the interview. Punk then got up to shake Wong’s hand and the two went their separate ways. Wong noted that he was later told CM Punk had no interest in speaking with him ever again.
