5 WWE legends who met CM Punk backstage before his return at 2023 Survivor Series WarGames
WWE looks to close out the year with a bang as Survivor Series takes over Vancouver for WarGames. This show will be historic, with the Bloodline Civil War taking centerstage and a stacked under-card that will make for a night to remember.
It's been almost a year now since CM Punk made his triumphant return. As Cody Rhodes and his WarGames teammates celebrated, Punks' music dropped and the Chicago crowd went crazy. Before coming out for his appearance, multiple WWE legends welcomed Punk backstage.
This is our list of 5 WWE legends who met CM Punk backstage before his return at 2023 Survivor Series: WarGames:
#5. Executive Director of Creative Writing Team Bruce Prichard
In the CM Punk backstage video that WWE recently uploaded, Bruce Prichard is visible throughout much of the clip. As the video starts, Bruce is shown escorting Punk to the guerilla position. Punk appears to be taking instructions from Bruce regarding the timing of Punk's entrance.
Bruce Prichard is probably one of the longest-tenured WWE employees on the payroll. He started in the wrestling business at age 10, selling merchandise at local independent events. He has worn many hats throughout the years, but he is best known for his time as Brother Love in the late 1980s. Bruce is currently in charge of the writing team, as the Executive Director of CWT.
#4. VP Creative Writing and Booking Michael PS Hayes
Throughout the 1980s and early 90s, two factions dominated the wrestling scene. Those two stables were the Four Horsemen and The Fabulous Freebirds. Michael P.S. Hayes led his group of rebel brawlers, which included Terry Gordy, Buddy Roberts, and Jimmy Garvin. They created problems for opponents all over the territories from Memphis to Florida, and everywhere in between.
At about a minute into the CM Punk video, Michael P.S. Hayes is seen shaking hands with Punk. While his appearance was brief, Hayes stood out in his sharp white suit with red pin strips. Michael is currently a key contributor backstage, as WWE's VP of writing and booking.
#3. VP of Global Talent Development William Regal
For three decades, William Regal worked with everyone from Goldberg and Beautiful Bobby Eaton to Tajiri and Jamie Noble, just to name a few. Regal is considered by many to be one of the most underrated wrestlers of all time. He was known for being able to perform under any situation, in many different roles including his run as the beloved NXT General Manager.
At the beginning of the CM Punk return video, you'll see William Regal next to Stephanie McMahon and Triple H. Regal shook hands with Punk early on in the clip, before Punk eventually made his way through the curtain. William Regal is currently the VP of Global Talent Development. He typically attends all RAW and SmackDown tapings, where he monitors all matches and provides feedback to the superstars regarding their performances.
#2. Former WWE Chairwoman Stephanie McMahon
Very few pro wrestling personalities have been as polarizing as Stephanie McMahon. Dating back to the Attitude Era, Steph has had her hands in many aspects of WWE operations. She has been involved in multiple major storylines, such as the Invasion angle, as well as the Authority story. She also led the charge for the Women's revolution, which completely changed the landscape of women's wrestling.
Following her father, Vince McMahon's, departure Stephanie took over as the interim chairwoman. She was in charge throughout that difficult and pivotal transition. Stephanie is seen in the CM Punk video, sitting next to Triple H. Punk went over to her, where they embraced and hugged one another as Punk made his way around the room.
#1. WWE Chief Content Officer Triple H
After Vince McMahon was forced to step down as Chairman, Triple H was eventually promoted to Chief Content Officer, thus kicking off a new era. Since taking over, Triple H has made many positive changes as the company prepares to partner with NetFlix in the New Year.
During the CM Punk video, Triple H is seated in Gorilla Position, beside his wife, Stephanie. Punk goes over to Hunter, and the two appear to be excited about the return of the Second City Saint. Towards the end of the video, Punk comes back through the curtains and poses for a couple of photos with his new boss.
