CM Punk Reveals Inspiration For Writing Initials On His Sneakers, Says A Motivated Phil Is A ‘Very Dangerous Thing’
Photo Credit: All Elite Wrestling
CM Punk says he borrowed something else from the basketball world besides “The First Dance.”
CM Punk recently spoke with Joseph Staszewski of the New York Post, who asked Punk about the practice of writing initials on his sneakers during his first few AEW appearances. Fans noticed Punk scribed “AC” and “CF” during his debut on Rampage, which he says stood for something personal to him and not the “obvious” connection of hinting at potential free agent signings.
“I stole this from LeBron James; a lot of basketball players will write messages on their shoes and stuff. I wrote AC on my shoes and CF on the other foot,” Punk said. “AC is Always Chicago and CF is Chicago Forever.”
Punk also wrote “BD” and “BW” on his sneakers during a second appearance, but didn’t offer an explanation for what those two initials meant.
CM Punk also talked about wanting to prove himself after a seven-year absence, noting that the last thing fans saw from him was an injured and unmotivated performer. He says now, he’s healthy and driven, and this version of him is a “very dangerous thing.”
“Seven years is a long time. I know there’s a contingent of fans out there that have this opinion that, ‘Oh he was never really any good. Oh, he’s not an athlete.’ And that always kind of flummoxed me, especially my last year [in WWE] when I was just absolutely trash, hurt and unmotivated, I had the best year. Brock [Lesnar], Undertaker, [John] Cena in Texas. And that’s a hurt Phil. A motivated Phil ready to have fun I think is a very dangerous thing.”
CM Punk will face off with Darby Allin at AEW All Out on Sunday. The two had an exchange on Dynamite after Allin (and Sting) saved Punk from an attack by 2point0 and Daniel Garcia. Read more about the encounter, and more Dynamite highlights at this link.