Bischoff and Punk Bury the Hatchet at Hogan Tribute
In a moment that caught the wrestling world by surprise, Eric Bischoff and CM Punk finally came face-to-face at WWE’s recent Monday Night Raw tribute to the late, great Hulk Hogan in Detroit. For years, the two have traded verbal jabs, with Bischoff taking aim at Punk’s attitude and remarks about Hogan, and Punk responding with his signature sharp-witted retorts. Their long-simmering feud had become a talking point among fans, but until that night, the two had never met in person. On the latest episode of his 83 Weeks podcast, Bischoff shared the story of their encounter, revealing a moment of reconciliation that left him with a newfound respect for the former WWE Champion.
The Hogan tribute, a heartfelt celebration of the wrestling icon’s legacy, provided an unexpected backdrop for Bischoff and Punk to address their past. Bischoff, a WWE Hall of Famer known for his outspoken nature, took the initiative to break the ice. “I said, ‘Man, it’s a pleasure to meet you. I’ve said some pretty stupid sh*t. Just want you to know I’m glad to have an opportunity to meet you in person,’” Bischoff recounted on the podcast. While he kept Punk’s side of the conversation private, Bischoff praised the Second City Saint’s authenticity, noting that the exchange was refreshingly genuine. “His reaction, the approach, the honesty is what made me a CM Punk fan,” Bischoff admitted. “When you actually get to know the person behind the character, you’d be surprised at just how solid some of these athletes are. They’re solid human beings.”
When co-host Conrad Thompson suggested that the emotional weight of the Hogan tribute might have prompted the two to set aside their differences, Bischoff clarified that it wasn’t just the somber occasion. “I don’t think it was that,” he said. “I think it was… here’s a guy that I never met in person up until that point.” The in-person meeting, it seems, was enough to shift Bischoff’s perspective, proving that sometimes a handshake and a conversation can bridge even the widest gaps.
This candid moment between two larger-than-life personalities adds a layer of humanity to the often intense world of professional wrestling. For fans who’ve followed their war of words, the story is a reminder that behind the promos and personas, wrestlers are people navigating the same complexities as anyone else. Curious to hear more? Bischoff dives deeper into the encounter on the latest episode of 83 Weeks, available now for fans eager to get the full scoop.
