During today’s WrestleMania 40 (Night One) Kickoff show, CM Punk commented on this era of wrestling being ‘the Triple H era.’ He said,
“It’s really interesting. This place, everyone asks me, ‘how is it? Is it different than when you were here ten years ago?’ Everything I see, it’s shockingly different. Having a private conversation with Big E, if you mind giving insight. I often think now when I’m here backstage and I’m having fun, and I’m having a ball. I think to myself, ‘Did I waste time? Should I have come back sooner? Should I not have left?’ He looked right at me and said, ‘No, brother, you had to leave.’ He’s a great coach and he’s assembled one hell of a team.“
During a recent edition of his “Wrestling With Freddie” podcast, Freddie Prinze Jr compared Sami Zayn and Chad Gable to Rocky Balboa and Apollo Creed.
You can check out some highlights from the match below:
On the Sami Zayn/Chad Gable pairing: This has been a serious ‘yo, you’re in a fight’ and it was almost like Apollo Creed and Rocky. It’s like ‘what’s wrong with you man? If you don’t do this, you’re going to get killed out there,’ like it’s almost been that kind of a story.”
On Zayn’s future: “I bet you that Sami Zayn is the WWE World Champion in five years or less … I think he’s got another decade in this business before father time starts saying ‘why are you still doing this?’”
CM Punk Reflects on the “Triple H Era” in Wrestling
During the WrestleMania 40 (Night One) Kickoff show, CM Punk shared his thoughts on the current era of wrestling, referring to it as the “Triple H era.” Punk, who is known for his outspoken nature, provided insight into how the industry has changed since his departure a decade ago.
When asked about his experience returning to WWE after such a long hiatus, Punk expressed his surprise at the significant differences he noticed. He mentioned having a private conversation with Big E, a prominent wrestler and coach, where he questioned whether he had wasted time by leaving and if he should have returned sooner. Big E reassured him that leaving was necessary and praised the current state of the company, stating that Triple H has assembled an exceptional team.
Punk’s comments shed light on the evolution of professional wrestling and the impact of Triple H’s influence on the industry. Triple H, also known as Paul Levesque, is a former professional wrestler himself and currently serves as WWE’s Executive Vice President of Global Talent Strategy & Development. Under his leadership, WWE has undergone significant changes in terms of talent recruitment, training, and overall presentation.
In recent years, WWE has focused on building a more diverse and inclusive roster, showcasing a wide range of wrestling styles and characters. This shift has allowed for the emergence of talents like Sami Zayn and Chad Gable, who have impressed both fans and industry insiders alike.
Freddie Prinze Jr., an actor and wrestling enthusiast, compared Zayn and Gable’s partnership to the iconic duo of Rocky Balboa and Apollo Creed. Prinze Jr. emphasized the intensity of their matches, highlighting the sense of urgency and danger that surrounds them. He drew parallels to the classic storyline of Rocky Balboa being pushed to his limits by Apollo Creed, suggesting that Zayn and Gable’s rivalry follows a similar narrative.
Prinze Jr. also expressed his belief that Sami Zayn has the potential to become the WWE World Champion within the next five years. He commended Zayn’s skills and passion for the business, predicting that he has at least another decade of success before age catches up with him.
These comments from CM Punk and Freddie Prinze Jr. provide valuable insights into the current state of professional wrestling. They highlight the ongoing evolution of the industry, with Triple H playing a significant role in shaping its direction. Additionally, they recognize the talent and potential of wrestlers like Sami Zayn and Chad Gable, who continue to captivate audiences with their performances.
As fans eagerly await future developments in the wrestling world, it is clear that the Triple H era has brought about exciting changes and opportunities for both established and emerging talents.