CM Punk made a surprise appearance at NXT Deadline, the premium live event that took place on Saturday, December 10, 2023. Punk showed up during a segment with Shawn Michaels, the NXT head coach, and teased that he could sign with NXT, the developmental brand of WWE.
During the segment, Punk entered the ring wearing a pink hoodie, reminiscent of the iconic attire worn by Bret Hart during his WWE career. Michaels appeared displeased with Punk’s choice of attire and had a brief conversation with him about the gear he wore that day.
Shawn Michaels reacts to CM Punk wearing Bret Hart merch
CM Punk is currently unaffiliated with any specific brand, but he is set to make an appearance on SmackDown next Friday, December 15, 2022, where he will confirm his alignment with either Raw or SmackDown roster. In a surprise move, he appeared at today’s NXT Deadline event, interrupting Shawn Michaels and making his entrance to the WWE ring.
Punk was notably not wearing his iconic “Best in the World” shirt; instead, he came out with a pink hoodie featuring a logo with the word “Hitman.” Michaels remarked on Punk’s hoodie, saying, “Nice Hoodie!” and added, “That hurts.” Michaels’ reaction stems from Punk wearing the gear of the 17-time WWE and WCW champion Bret Hart, known as the Hitman.
The Montreal Screwjob took place at the 1997 Survivor Series where Bret Hart was scheduled to defend his WWF title against Michaels. During the match’s conclusion, Vince McMahon, instructed the referee to call for the bell and declare Michaels the winner, even though Bret did not submit or lose by pin fall.
However, over time, Hart and Michaels reconciled their differences and forgave each other. In 2010, Hart returned to WWE and shook hands with Michaels on live TV, in a moment that was very emotional for both of them and the fans. Even though they became friends, Punk’s reference to Bret Hart made Michaels little disappointed on today’s show.
HBK shared his thoughts on CM Punk’s WWE return
Shawn Michaels, recently shared his thoughts on the return of CM Punk. In the interview after NXT Deadline Michaels said, “We all sort of sat under the same learning tree here. Business is first, it’s just that simple. For me, I don’t think it was a tough decision for anybody…because it was a good business move. I’m happy that it got done…I wish him luck.”
Michaels also added, “I don’t spend a lot of time thinking about it or even feeling like we need to explain it. Everybody enjoy this, and let’s just have a good time in the wrestling business. I think that’s just the way it should go.”
He also said that he would love to have Punk in NXT, the developmental brand of WWE, and that he respected Punk’s talent and skill. Punk will announce his brand on next week’s RAW episode. If Punk selects NXT it will be a huge excitement for the NXT fans. Lets wait and see which brand Punk chooses and share your predictions in comment section.
