Corey Graves Opens Up About Mending Fences With CM Punk

Corey Graves has spoken openly about one of the most meaningful reconciliations in his personal life — his rebuilt friendship with WWE World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk. Speaking to TV Insider, the longtime WWE commentator reflected on a bond that ran deep early in both men’s careers before fading after Punk’s controversial 2014 exit, and how he made it a personal mission to repair things when Punk returned to the company in 2023.

Graves described Punk as his wrestling big brother during the formative years of his career, someone he patterned himself after and looked up to while trying to establish himself in the business. “He was always a step or two ahead of where I was. I looked up to him for that. I sort of tried to follow in his footsteps. Patterned myself after him, right, wrong, or indifferent. I’m sure I learned a few bad habits along the way, but he was sort of my wrestling big brother. That’s how I looked at it.”

Corey Graves and CM Punk Had a Heart-to-Heart That Cleared the Air Between Them

When Punk made his return to WWE, Graves didn’t wait around to see how things would naturally develop. He took the initiative. “When he came back, I made it a point to talk to him. It’s one of those things where I believe time heals all wounds or at least most wounds. We had a heart-to-heart. Both of us apologized for a couple of different things and let it be water under the bridge. Since then, we’ve continued to grow close again.”

Now, with Punk defending the World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania 42 against Roman Reigns, Graves says the moment resonates on a deeply personal level. “To have it come full-circle and know — despite what he says in interviews about what is important to him — in Phil Brooks’ heart he wants to be the World Heavyweight Champion at WrestleMania. He is in the top spot and that’s where he deserves to be. It truly is a dream come true for him. I’m happy for my friend to get to live that.” For Graves, watching Punk reach the pinnacle again after years of setbacks and controversy isn’t just a professional observation — it’s a front-row seat to a story he has been emotionally invested in for decades.