Backstage at Madison Square Garden, just before the main event of Fallout. Jackie Redmond stood in front of a black EBWF backdrop. CM Punk entered the frame wearing a Best in The World tee over his ring gear, the EBWF World Championship slung over his shoulder. His facial expression was intense, but he took a deep breath as Jackie began to speak.
Jackie Redmond: CM Punk, we were just moments away from the main event here at Fallout— you defending the EBWF World Championship against Adam Cole. Earlier tonight, Adam Cole had some strong words for you. He talked about legacy, frustration, and finally earning his scars. He even called you a cautionary tale. How do you respond?
Punk smirked slightly, shaking his head.
CM Punk: Cautionary tale, huh? That’s rich, Jackie. I’ve been called a lot of things in my career. Loudmouth. Rebel. Savior. Sellout. But "cautionary tale"? That’s cute coming from a guy who spent the last decade trying to get out from under somebody else’s shadow.
Punk adjusted the title on his shoulder and appeared to choose his next words carefully.
CM Punk: I heard what Adam said. About Wrestle Kingdom, about the Bullet Club, about ROH. And he was right—Ring of Honor built us both. It taught us how to fight, how to grind, how to bleed for this business. But Adam? That’s where the similarities end. Because while he was building his “legacy” in group photos and finger-guns, I was kicking down doors alone. He says I burned bridges? He’s damn right I did. And every one of those bridges lit the path that brought me here—with this on my shoulder.
He tapped the championship.
Jackie Redmond: Adam Cole said this was his moment. That tonight was his chance to go higher than ever. Did that concern you at all?
Punk laughed.
CM Punk: It should’ve concerned him. See, the higher you go, the harder you fall. And Adam finally found that fire again! Good for him! But fire without control? That’s just a blaze waiting to burn out. He wanted to talk about scars? I wore mine like armor. You can’t just slap on an old jacket and pretend it makes you dangerous again. I didn’t need to remember who I was—I never forgot. I was the same guy who walked into this building 20 years ago and told the world I was the best. And tonight, I’m STILL the best.
He leaned forward to look down the camera’s lens.
CM Punk: Adam Cole said the bullet had my name on it. Well, here’s the thing about firing shots at the Champ. You better not miss! Because if you do? You don’t get a second chance. I’m not the Miz. Just ask him! I beat him for this title. I’m not some placeholder for your big moment, Adam. I’m CM Punk. EBWF World Champion. And the legacy he’s trying to build? It ends tonight… right here in Madison Square Garden.
Punk stepped past Jackie and out of frame, the camera lingering for a beat on the empty hallway before it faded to black.
The House That Built Me
The House That Built Me
Writers aren't exactly people. They're a whole bunch of people. Trying to be one person.
The only living, breathing, Queen of Efeds in captivity
"You can't blame a writer for what the characters say." - Truman Capote