Eric Bischoff Weighs In On CM Punk’s Saudi Arabia Apology: ‘I Respect Punk’

On the latest episode of 83 Weeks, Eric Bischoff gave his detailed take on the controversy surrounding CM Punk performing in Saudi Arabia and delivering an apology to the country, stating that he respects and applauds Punk for his professionalism. You can check out some highlights below:

On the situation: “Just think about it for a moment. I know, we can’t say ‘Let’s not talk politics.’ We’re talking about politics. Can’t talk about politics without talking about it. This whole thing is a political reaction.

“Here’s how I look at it. I don’t care how anybody else looks at it; to each their own, I guess not. I don’t guess; I know. Here’s my take. You could argue, ‘Dumb post.’ How many years ago? [Five or six] All right, dumb post five or six years ago? How many of us have not said ‘Dumb post within the last five or six years?’ Some of them pretty horrible. I’ll speak for myself.”

On CM Punk deciding to work the show in Saudi Arabia and delivering an apology despite past comments: “To just beat on this guy because of a stupid post — ehh. That’s — right off the bat, that’s a head-scratcher. Just literally scratched my head. And then the reaction after that, and the heat on him, I tell you what. And Conrad, you and I spoke about this — and you may not remember this — but when there was speculation about Punk leaving AEW before he actually left. And there was speculation about, ‘Oh, what would happen if he went to WWE?’ Long before he did, you and I talked about it. Somebody may have asked a question on the show, ‘What do you think will happen if Punk goes to WWE?’

“But I remember specifically saying — something to the effect, I’m going to paraphrase myself — something to the effect of ‘Who knows? Because he’s going from one environment that he’s obviously not functioning in into a very mature process that is very, very well managed. So we’ll see.’ And obviously Punk adapted, and part of that is being a professional. Part of being a professional is recognizing before he made the decision to sign on a dotted line, he knew WWE was doing business in Saudi. He knew what those expectations were. And he reconciled that decision in his own way to his own satisfaction. So I respect Punk. He had to do what he had to do.”

If you use any of the quotes in this article, please credit 83 Weeks with an h/t to 411mania.com for the transcription.