CM Punk Recalls Being Told Not To Wear Tribute Gear After Randy Savage’s Passing

CM Punk sported ring gear in tribute to Randy Savage after the legend’s passing, and he recently recalled how he was told not to wear it backstage. The legendary Macho Man passed away on May 20th, 2011. Punk wore gear in homage to Savage on the WWE Raw three days later for a tag team match with R-Truth against John Cena and Rey Mysterio.

Punk recalled on WWE Break It Down how he had the gear made but then was told by a higher-up not to wear it on TV. He promptly ignored the instruction. He also recalled how important Savage was for him as a fan. You can see highlights below:

On the Ring Gear & Being Told Not To Wear It:

“Unfortunately just before this picture, the legendary Randy ‘Macho Man’ Savage passed away. So I wanted to pay homage to a classic pair of gear, twofold really. Like you know, pink looks great on me. And and this is an homage to the gear he wore at WrestleMania III taking on Ricky ‘The Dragon’ Steamboat.

“Now I commissioned my gear maker at this time to make this gear. And I won’t name names, but somebody very high in the office walked past and saw it. And [they] found me and said, ‘Do not wear that gear on television.’ And I said, ‘You got it.’ And I wore the gear on television, because that’s what I do. I’m gonna pay homage to Randy Savage whether you like it or not.

On His Appreciation For Savage:

“As a fan, Macho Man to me was — you know I’m a hardcore wrestling fan. So we tend to gravitate towards the guys that we feel aren’t getting the spotlight we think they deserve. We maybe feel like, ‘Oh, Macho shoulda been in Hogan’s spot.’ And really, that kind of passion that I had as a fan — and that fans in turn have for me — is really kinda what has propelled me throughout my career.

“It’s what helped me feuding with John Cena. And it’s really helped me understand the fans and connect with them a little bit better. Savage was the man. I remember when he started wrestling for his dad in an outlaw promotion and going to Memphis. He was just so strikingly different than everything else you saw. Easily one of the greatest of all time, like five-tool player. Promo, ring work, look, attitude, aura, everything.”

If you use any of the quotes in this article, please credit WWE with a h/t to 411mania.com for the transcription.