10 interesting backstage stories you probably didn’t know about CM Punk – Near-death experiences in WWE, offended The Undertaker

#2 How CM Punk returned for WWE talk show

CM Punk and Renee Young loved working together on WWE Backstage

Once upon a time, WWE and CM Punk dismissed any plans of working together after the latter’s exit from the company. Therefore, it was surprising to see him return for WWE Backstage on FOX. Many don’t know that former WWE presenter Renee Young reached out to him despite not speaking in over seven years.

Renee Young, aka Renee Paquette, was excited when she first found out that CM Punk could return as a part of the project, and she insisted on convincing him at all costs. Both of them developed a great friendship that reflected well in their work together.

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#1 John Cena replaced CM Punk as Royal Rumble winner

CM Punk was initially supposed to win this match

Back in 2008, CM Punk was supposed to win the WWE Royal Rumble. However, the plans were changed when John Cena returned ahead of schedule. He had to take time off after suffering from a torn pectoral muscle. However, Cena ended up recovering earlier than expected and was ready to go into action. As a result, WWE decided to have him win the Royal Rumble instead of Punk.

"I was supposed to win!" CM Punk said. "I was supposed to win that Royal Rumble, then John Cena comes back after three months from a torn pec. Thanks a lot, John."

Cena made a huge return that night and eliminated Triple H to win Royal Rumble. If not for the last-minute change of plans, CM Punk would have headlined WrestleMania XXIV with a match against WWE Champion Randy Orton or World Heavyweight Champion Edge.