CM Punk Unveils New WWE App Feature That Allows Stars To Take Days Off

Dan Lalonde
Aug 18, 2024
3 min read

New WWE App To Prevent Burnout

CM Punk has been making waves since his return to WWE, not just with his in-ring performances but also with his contributions to the overall well-being of the talent roster. Known as "The Second City Saint," Punk has become a major attraction in the company, and his influence is now extending beyond the ring with a significant quality-of-life upgrade for WWE Superstars.

Punk’s return to WWE at last year’s Survivor Series Premium Live Event was a game-changer, reigniting fan interest and altering the dynamics within the company. Since then, Punk has not only been a valuable asset in the ring but has also played a crucial role in improving the backstage environment. This was evident when Punk recently revealed a new feature on the WWE app that allows wrestlers to request days off—a move that marks a significant shift in how the company manages talent burnout.

During an appearance at the Fanatics Fest convention, Punk was candid when asked about the burnout he experienced during his previous WWE run. Reflecting on his past, Punk acknowledged that the relentless pace he maintained a decade ago made burnout inevitable. He recalled how, at the height of his career, he had to take himself out of the equation because there was no system in place to offer relief. Punk expressed frustration that despite his pleas for help, those around him insisted he keep pushing forward.

Punk drew parallels between his experience and that of WWE legend Steve Austin. He noted that despite Austin being one of the biggest stars in professional wrestling history, his time at the top was relatively short because of the intense workload he shouldered. Punk believes that burnout is unavoidable for anyone working at such a high level for too long, a realization that has informed his advocacy for better management practices in WWE.

"I mean, I can look back at 10 years ago and tell you I would have, should have, could have, but at the rate I was going, 100% burnout was inevitable," Punk explained. "I said that I took myself off the hamster wheel because nobody else would, and I was looking around begging somebody, ‘Please, get me out of here.’ Certain people were around then, and when they were like, ‘Nope, we need you. You’ve got to keep going,’ I was going so hard. Look at a guy like Steve Austin—the biggest star this business has ever produced—and you see that his run on top really wasn’t that long. We can all look at that and say, ‘Gosh, why was it so short?’ It’s because he was going so hard for so long. When he finally got to the top, burnout was inevitable.”

Fortunately, Punk pointed out that things have changed for the better under WWE's current management. With a deeper talent pool, top stars like Cody Rhodes and Punk himself now have the flexibility to take necessary breaks without disrupting the flow of the show. Punk was particularly impressed with the new feature on the WWE app that allows talent to request time off, calling it a "Brave New World."

"What I think is now in place is a system in management that understands that. The talent is so rich that if Cody needs a day off, he can take it. If I need a day off, I can take it. I’m still flabbergasted that there’s a tab on the WWE app where you can request days off. It still blows my mind. It’s a Brave New World,” Punk remarked.

Punk also addressed the criticism he faced after his departure from AEW, where some labeled him as a "cancer" to the locker room. However, under WWE's new management, Punk feels that things have improved for everyone involved, leading to a more positive environment both for the Superstars and the fans.

With the introduction of this new app feature, WWE is showing a renewed commitment to the health and well-being of its talent, a move that is likely to have long-term benefits for the company and its performers alike. Fans can rest assured that their favorite stars will be performing at their best, without the risk of burnout that plagued past generations.