Jim Ross Wishes CM Punk Was Back In The Wrestling Business

He's been away from the ring for over 7 years now, but Jim Ross would like to see CM Punk return to the wrestling business.

Speaking on the WrestleMania 27 episode of his Grilling JR podcast, the AEW commentator said that he wishes Punk would return to the industry because he has a lot to offer, and not just as a bell-to-bell performer. Here is what he said when asked for his thoughts on Punk and Randy Orton's match from the 2011 event:

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"I thought they had a real good match. I'm a big fan of both guys, Randy and Phil Brooks. I always wished Phil Brooks was back in the business, at least on a part-time basis, because I think he has a lot to offer. Not just as a bell-to-bell performer, but someone that has earned the respect of his peers and that he could help those guys. Those younger guys that were marks for CM Punk's work, his attitude, being defiant and somewhat controversial...I don't know how those two guys could have a bad match. I wish Punk was still in the game. Maybe he will be someday."

Punk had not been seen on WWE television since 2014 when he walked out on the company following the Royal Rumble. In the time since his departure, he has had two fights in the UFC, written comic books for Marvel, appeared in films, and much more. In 2019 he began appearing sporadically on FS1's WWE Backstage, but the show's weekly schedule was suspended in June 2020.

Triple H recently revealed that he spoke to Punk less than two years ago, saying the desire to return has to be there on both sides. You can find his full comments by clicking here.

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