Grayson Waller says he is not here to be a fanboy.
CM Punk returned to WWE at WWE Survivor Series. He then appeared on Raw and SmackDown before he officially signed with the red brand on December 11.
Speaking with Justin LaBar for TribLive, Waller was asked to comment on CM Punk's return to WWE.
“It’s great to have Punk back because obviously he’s a big name, he’s a big star. I got to sit backstage at SmackDown Friday and kind of sit at Gorilla position and watch him go out and talk. It’s a different vibe. For me personally, I’m not gonna go and ask for advice and kiss his ass or anything like that. That’s not who I am. But I am gonna sit back, and I’m gonna watch what he’s doing. I’m gonna be like wow, and I’m gonna take some notes in my head. That promo he did on Friday, especially hearing the live crowd and everything was cool, but I had a bit of fun online with Punk before he came in. I like to play with the rumors and those type of things. I saw Punk backstage at Smackdown Friday, and I’m gonna leave it there. I don’t think anyone needs to know what that interaction was, but let’s just say we talked," Waller said.
Waller continued by noting that Punk has been working with some of the talent at NXT. He made it clear that he doesn't want to hear Punk's advice or post a clip of himself meeting Punk when he was younger. Instead, Waller stated that he wanted to test himself against Punk. He also said that he appreciates what Punk has done for the business.
"All I’ll say is, Punk has come back, and I was at NXT last night doing some stuff, and he was there, talking to all the young guys, giving them feedback, giving them advice. So he’s come back and he’s doing everything he can to help. But Grayson Waller’s not that guy. I don’t want to sit back and hear his advice. I don’t want to wear his merch shirt. I don’t want to put up a video of me at 12 years old, telling Punk he’s the best. That’s not who I am. I want to test myself against him. Not just in the ring, but on the mic because that guy’s one of the best of all time. That promo he did in Ring of Honor about the snake and the devil, I’ve watched all those things. I appreciate everything he’s done for the business, but I’m not here to be a fanboy, I’m here to be a competitor," Waller said.
In another interview, Grayson Waller said that he had nothing but positive things to say about CM Punk and Ace Steel. Check out his comments here.
Fightful Select reported more information about CM Punk's visit to the WWE Performance Center.
Grayson Waller is set to face Carmelo Hayes on the December 15 episode of WWE SmackDown. Fightful will have live coverage of the show as it airs.
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