Trevor Murdoch Praises CM Punk’s Connection to the Fans, Says It’s Something That Can’t Be Learned

During a recent interview with Fightful’s Sean Ross Sapp, former WWE Superstar and NWA Worlds Heavyweight Champion Trevor Murdoch spoke about CM Punk, praising the reigning WWE Undisputed Champion’s connection with the fans.

Murdoch was asked if there was a wrestler he always ran into, and Murdoch named Punk. He stated, “The one guy I kept running into was CM Punk. Especially when I went down to IWA Mid-South, down in that part of the country. You could tell he had a connection to the people. You can’t learn that. It’s just an emotion.” Murdoch continued, “Most guys don’t have that and are still chasing it to this day, trying to get that connection with the people. Punk always seemed to be one of the guys that stood out.”

CM Punk returned to WWE TV earlier this week on Monday Night Raw, winning the WWE Undisputed Title from Sami Zayn. Punk served as a last-minute replacement for Cody Rhodes, after it was declared that he wasn’t cleared to compete.

Punk is now slated to defend the title against Rhodes at WWE SummerSlam 2026 next month. The premium live event takes place on August 1-2 at US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesot.