Shawn Michaels could ‘absolutely’ see CM Punk running WWE NXT one day

Shawn Michaels could “absolutely” see CM Punk running WWE NXT one day if Punk is interested in the job.

While being interviewed by The Ringer Wrestling Show to promote NXT’s CW premiere, Michaels was asked — given the interest Punk has shown in the NXT brand and working with its talent — if he sees Punk as a natural successor to his role leading NXT at some point in the future. Michaels responded by voicing his support for Punk and saying he would do everything he can to help him.

“Sure. If that is in his heart to do, absolutely,” Michaels responded. “And again, I will say — whether it’s CM Punk or anyone that has a passion for that — look, I absolutely would understand it because it happened to me. This place is infectious. Again, the environment here in NXT and at the Performance Center and down here in Orlando is unlike any other culture in the entire business. That’s why everybody does come around here, because it takes them back to the beginning when this business was about the making it, and the being in the ring, and the excitement about the future.

“And I would have never thought in a million years a guy that loved performing like I did, and being out there, and having all the eyes and focus on me would get such a joy out of doing everything he can to provide that for the future stars of the WWE. And CM Punk obviously seems to be somebody that enjoys that as well. So I will say this as I’ve said on many occasions: When he’s ready to make that move after his in-ring career, I’ll support him every step of the way and help in any way that I can.”

Michaels’ job title in NXT is Senior Vice President of Talent Development Creative. He’s worked behind the scenes with the brand since 2016 and has taken on greater responsibility over the last couple of years.

Punk will be making an appearance on NXT’s premiere episode on The CW Network tonight (October 1). The show is taking place from Punk’s hometown of Chicago — and he’ll be the special guest referee for the NXT Championship match between Ethan Page and Trick Williams.

NXT had aired on USA Network since 2019 and is now joining The CW in a new five-year TV deal.