Punk was tired but in good spirits.
What insight can you give into what was going through your mind in that moment?
Everything is just loud, and theres like white noise behind you.
L-R: Seth Rollins and CM PunkWWE
And its just like everythings happening at the speed of light, but Im trying to slow it down.
Its quite the experience.
Before I turn the switch on and Im backstage alone, I attempt to meditate a little.
CM PunkWWE
But once you see me on camera, its go time.
PUNK:Im 100% an introvert, and I think a lot of my fellow entertainers are too.
For every hour I spend with people, I need two hours by myself.
Thats how I decompress from all that adrenaline.
DEADLINE:Today is your day off, but you have work on the agenda.
Why is it so important that you make time for your fans?
PUNK:Yes, Im about to sign autographs and take pictures for an hour each.
People will hear me say, Its the most exhausting thing, and theyll take that as a negative.
I want to say hello to them and ask what their name is.
How do you approach the match?
PUNK:I have an overabundance of confidence in myself and my abilities.
Thats where the whole best in the world thing comes from, so I operate on that level.
Thats how I approach the match.
DEADLINE:Although there were three competitors total, the match was leaning heavy on you and Roman Reigns.
PUNK:I think its something that people havent seen a lot of.
Theyve seen me and Seth, theyve seen Roman and Seth.
So the new coat of paint on things is me and Roman going at it.
DEADLINE:There were also chairs involved, which isnt the first time for you or Roman.
How did it change the whole match?
PUNK:Yeah, everything changed, the complexion of the match changed there.
Maybe thats why my back hurts?
You just reminded me he hit me with a chair, so hes got receipts coming.
DEADLINE:What would you say hurt more, getting hit by the chair or Paul Heymans betrayal?
PUNK:Very good question.
Heyman has betrayed me before.
Weve been friends for a very long time, and friends fight.
Since hes betrayed me before, he knows how this plays out.
He knows theres receipts coming for him, too.
The betrayal and the mental pain, I think, are worse than the physical.
But you know what?
DEADLINE:We met over donuts because you like to indulge in sweet treats after a match.
What did you eat after WrestleMania?
It was my night.
Last night was perfect, it was everything it needed to be before, during, and after.
Last night was the first of many, lets just put it that way.
DEADLINE:You have such a busy career as a wrestler, and youre also an actor.
How do you balance your time so you might do both?
PUNK:Its a lot easier now.
I have pre-existing relationships and projects I work on that are grandfathered into my contract.
I typically doMonday Night Rawlive on Netflix every week.
DEADLINE:Are you going to play a vampire?
PUNK:Im not gonna tell you.
[Laughs] Its a total throwback, old-school fun horror movie.
DEADLINE: Would you be into doing a rom-com?
PUNK:I would love to do that.
Me andDave Bautistaare trying to do a rom-com, maybe not together, but its a race.
He really wants to do one, and I really want to do one too.
Dave and I are two emotional b**ches.
We would absolutely kill that genre, guaranteed, him especially.
Im dying to work with him.
What if we were romantically involved?
Whos not going to pay to see that?
This interview was edited and condensed for length and clarity.
My donut moment with Punk can be found below.
