In an interview with TV Insider, Corey Graves addressed speaking to CM Punk to resolve past issues, upon Punk’s WWE return in November 2023.
The topic came up as Graves was asked about Punk heading into WrestleMania as World Heavyweight Champion, with the broadcaster and former competitor responding:
It really is wild. Life in this business is so unusual. Everyone has a different story, but to have someone who I bond with so deeply when I was trying to get ahead of the business. He was always a step or two ahead of where I was. I looked up to him for that. I sort of tried to follow in his footsteps. I patterned myself after him, right, wrong, or indifferent. I’m sure I learned a few bad habits along the way, but he was sort of my wrestling big brother. That’s how I looked at it. Then life happens.
There are the well-documented issues he had with WWE. He and I fell off for a while, but when he came back, I made it a point to talk to him. It’s one of those things where I believe time heals all wounds or at least most wounds.
Graves went on to talk about the conversation he had with Punk after Survivor Series 2023, which saw the former WWE Champion return to the company after nearly a decade away.
We had a heart-to-heart. Both of us apologized for a couple of different things and let it be water under the bridge. Since then, we’ve continued to grow close again.
He is one of my favorites to this day, despite the fact he is my friend. As a talent, I’ve always been a fan of CM Punk.
Punk and Graves stood across the ring early on in their respective careers, with Graves (then known as Sterling James Keenan) holding a 3-0 record over Punk at IWC events on the independent circuit in Pennsylvania.
Source: F4WOnline