Sat Mar 01 02:10:00 UTC 2025: ## CM Punk Offers New Perspective on The Rock’s Part-Time WWE Role

**NEW YORK** – Former WWE Champion CM Punk has shared a revised perspective on The Rock’s limited appearances in WWE, contrasting his previous feelings with a more understanding stance. Speaking with Mail Sport, Punk acknowledged the impact of The Rock’s recent SmackDown appearance and subsequent storyline with Cody Rhodes on the entire roster.

“I’m sure it will [impact everyone],” Punk stated. “It’s easy for everybody to say, ‘You’re not here, we’re grinding, we’re doing this.’ But the schedule now is so much more limited than it was 10 years ago.”

Punk cited John Cena’s part-time schedule as an example, suggesting that Cena’s success and established status merit his reduced workload. He praised Cena’s “retirement tour” as a smart business move, attracting large audiences. However, he also acknowledged the potential for resentment amongst full-time wrestlers.

“There is still a locker room full of pro wrestlers… who feel, ‘Oh, I’m here every week. I’m doing this, I’m doing this.’” Punk explained. He also admitted to the playful teasing and questioning that inevitably occurs amongst wrestlers, including towards part-timers like The Rock.

Punk ultimately expressed a more mature understanding of The Rock’s position as a massive box-office star, noting the effectiveness of his “Final Boss” persona. “There’s no denying what a giant box office star The Rock is,” Punk said. “I think peeling back a little bit and being Final Boss… makes it better and more real and more exciting for everybody.” This suggests Punk now appreciates The Rock’s strategic appearances and the impact they have, even with limited time commitments.

Read More