The reason why WWE Champion CM Punk wrestled at NXT live event
WWE Champion CM Punk wrestled at an NXT live event on August 15th 2026, teaming with Tavion Heights and Myles Borne against The Vanity Project (Brad Baylor, Jackson Drake and Ricky Smokes). In a behind-the-scenes vlog, Punk explained why he wanted to make the trip to NXT and get involved with the next generation of WWE talent…
“There’s a very selfish motivation for me being here. I want to stay ready.
Yes, I’m the champion. Yes, I wrestle on television, but to me, I don’t wrestle often enough. I need more reps. I think I’m better the more often I wrestle.
There is an element to giving back, though, obviously. I have great respect for this business, and I’m just following in the footsteps of the people who came before me.
Hopefully, somebody watches and learns and observes from me, and they can pay it forward when they have the opportunity to do so.”