WWE fans are well aware of the rocky history between Triple H and CM Punk. Their strained relationship played a big role in Punk’s departure from the company. But in 2023, Hunter decided to reach out. A simple phone call helped mend their broken ties. Both realized they had grown and could let go of past conflicts.
During a conversation with his wife, Stephanie McMahon, on her show *Stephanie’s Places*, Hunter admitted he never thought Punk would come back. He even joked that Punk would have refused the idea just two years earlier. The 14-time world champion acknowledged how time changes people. Both men had matured over the years.
A clip from *Stephanie’s Places* showed fans the improving bond between Punk and Hunter. In the video, Punk—known as The Second City Saint—hugged his boss and thanked him for the chance to return. Hunter, in turn, showed his approval by tapping Punk’s head.
Triple H talking about CM Punk’s return at Survivor Series 2023.
— Kim Jackson (@KimJackson0514) March 27, 2025
(Stephanie’s places) #CMPunk pic.twitter.com/lqpTXoq8wh
If there was ever a guy you said will never return here, it would be CM Punk, right? Just… if you look at the history, and the… everything that has gone down. His side, company’s side… I think he would’ve said it a couple of years ago, ‘Never happening!’ But things change.
Triple H about CM Punk
The moment was heartwarming for fans who had followed their feud. Seeing them put the past behind them was a big deal. It proved that even the toughest grudges can fade with time. Their reconciliation marked a new chapter for both men in WWE.
CM Punk comments on his special ring gear at SummerSlam 2024
In 2024, Punk and Drew McIntyre had a fierce rivalry. It started when McIntyre caused a real-life injury to Punk. Punk made his in-ring return at SummerSlam, facing McIntyre for the first time since coming back to WWE. Recently, Punk shared the story behind his gear for the match.
During an interview with Stephanie McMahon, Punk revealed his gear wasn’t ready for SummerSlam. He wore an extra set from the Royal Rumble but joked it might be cursed because of his injury. Later, he worked with the design team to create a new gear. He asked them to base it on Bret Hart’s style.
Punk explained why the gear meant so much to him. He recalled Bret Hart’s match against The Undertaker at SummerSlam 1997. His own match with McIntyre reminded him of that classic bout. Both matches had a special referee—Shawn Michaels in Hart’s match and Seth Rollins in his.
My gear tonight was made emergency got made because it didn’t get done. I do have this pair that I wore at the Royal Rumble. So, the significance of this, 1997 SummerSlam main event was Bret Hart versus The Undertaker with Shawn Michaels as the referee. I’m just ripping off what Bret wore.
CM Punk on Stephanie’s Places
CM Punk with the @BretHart #SummerSlam 97’ tribute gear. Wonder what happened at that event? pic.twitter.com/qQ8IVEBAdi
— The Ring Generals (@RingGeneralsPod) August 4, 2024
Punk’s tribute to Hart showed his respect for wrestling history. The design honored one of his idols. It also added deeper meaning to his rivalry with McIntyre. Fans appreciated the nod to the past during their intense feud.