The Relationship Between "Stone Cold" Steve Austin & CM Punk, Explained

Highlights

• CM Punk's return to WWE has sparked anticipation and speculation about a potential dream match with "Stone Cold" Steve Austin at WrestleMania 38.
• The initial encounter between Punk and Austin in 2011 on RAW showcased their contrasting personas and hinted at a clash of ideologies.
• Punk's admiration for Austin is evident in his on-screen gestures, such as wearing Austin's shirt, and their off-screen friendship, as confirmed by Austin himself in an interview.

The connection between "Stone Cold" Steve Austin and CM Punk has long been a subject of speculation. As the echoes of Punk's return reverberate through the wrestling community, fans find themselves contemplating the tantalizing prospect of a clash between these two rebellious titans. Beyond the scripted chaos of the ring, whispers of backstage encounters, Twitter banter, and mutual admiration leave a trail of breadcrumbs, suggesting a relationship that goes beyond the spotlight. With both of them having recently been very active in WWE, it's fitting time to delve into the subtle hints, teased encounters, and behind-the-scenes dynamics, and a relationship that fuels the intrigue surrounding the potential connection between Stone Cold and the Straight Edge Superstar. Here's a timeline of the major developments between Steve Austin and CM Punk.

The Return Of CM Punk To WWE

A WrestleMania Dream Match Could Finally Happen

CM Punk's return to WWE at Survivor Series 2023 marks a significant moment in professional wrestling. After a prolonged absence and a history marked by controversies, Punk's reemergence has sent shockwaves through the WWE Universe. Fans, hungry for dream matches and unforgettable moments, have their eyes set on potential opponents for Punk, with one name resonating louder than most—"Stone Cold" Steve Austin.

The anticipation surrounding Punk's return skyrocketed, especially after Austin's surprise in-ring comeback at WrestleMania 38 against Kevin Owens. The fact that Austin, who had long been retired due to injury, stepped back into the squared circle reignited the hope for dream matches featuring legendary figures. This development also showcased that, under the right circumstances, even the most iconic wrestlers could be lured back into the ring. The allure of a match between CM Punk and "Stone Cold" Steve Austin is undeniable. Both are renowned for their rebellious personas, electrifying charisma, and unparalleled mic skills.

CM Punk Vs. Steve Austin WWE Dream Match Reportedly Being Discussed

The Rivalry Between CM Punk And "Stone Cold" Steve Austin

First WWE Encounter On Raw In 2011

The tantalizing prospect of a showdown between CM Punk and "Stone Cold" Steve Austin began in 2011 with a backstage promo on RAW that left fans clamoring for more. The exchange showcased Punk's straight-edge persona challenging Austin's penchant for enjoying beers at work. The witty banter hinted at the clash of ideologies and rebellious spirits that both superstars embodied. Despite the initial excitement, Punk's departure from WWE in 2014 put a temporary hold on any potential storyline development between the two. However, the wrestling world was given another glimmer of hope when an exchange on social media reignited the speculation.

In response to a fan's inquiry about a hypothetical match, Punk asserted that he would emerge victorious, saying, “Would've been short. GTS 1,2,3.” But Austin replied, “I see. @CMPunk You did say that. Damn. Complete delusion. I had us at a 60 minute time limit match at the Rosemont Horizon. Right there in Chicago. Chi Town. The Windy City. Helluva match. Caught you with a Stunner at 59:56. You did not kick out. Bottom line.”

This exchange not only fueled fan anticipation but also revealed a unique dynamic between Punk and Austin outside the scripted world of wrestling. It was evident that, even in their absence from WWE, the two maintained a conversational relationship. Furthermore, the wrestling landscape witnessed another chapter in their relationship at Starrcast 3 in 2020. During the event, Punk, in a display of genuine admiration, talked about a time when he asked Austin to stun him. He said he approached Austin who was backstage that night and said, "I got a dark match. Do you mind coming out and just giving me a stunner. You know how else we gonna send these people home.” To his surprise Austin replied, “Goddamn yeah, alright kid. I’ve been back here I don’t know how many times and nobody ever ask me that before.”

Punk couldn't believe that no one had asked Austin this yet for all these years. He said this is when Austin started taking a liking to him and said a match was a possibility.

"That's when I started prying and being like, 'Let's work this match motherf—er, let's go!' I think there was a sliver of time where it was going to happen. And then the next minute it didn't.”

CM Punk Vs "Stone Cold" Steve Austin: How WWE Teased (& Failed To Deliver) This Dream Match

"Stone Cold" Steve Austin Confirms His Friendship With CM Punk

CM Punk Wore A Stone Cold Shirt During 2011 Raw Pipebomb

Punk has made it quite obvious over the years that he's a big Stone Cold fan. While Punk's on-screen gestures, such as donning Austin's iconic t-shirt during his infamous pipe bomb promo, hinted at a connection, it is the off-screen moments that solidify their mutual respect and camaraderie. In a revealing interview with Forbes, Austin shed light on the personal relationship he shares with CM Punk.

“Man, I just sent Punk a message last night. I didn’t know he had torn his triceps. I haven’t been following anything. I don’t know what’s going on with that. Me and Phil trade messages every here and there. We rarely talk, probably once or twice a year. I love the guy, and I don’t even know if I mentored him, because Punk’s probably a lot smarter than I am.”

Austin's words of praise for Punk during the interview further emphasize the depth of their friendship. He acknowledged Punk's body of work as he said:

“Great promo guy, great worker, he’s got his own thing going, and we’re just friends. So I think I remember there’s a picture of myself and him from Chicago, my favorite town to work in, my favorite building. And I guess he had come down to where we were all hanging out. Maybe he looked up to me back in the day, but I don’t know if I so much mentored him because I think he paid his own dues. He learned it the way he did, and he got over on his own merits. The fact that maybe I could have been somewhat of an influence would be flattering if that were the case. But he’s made his own career.”