Veteran wrestler Ace Steel recently shed light on a memorable encounter involving CM Punk and WWE Hall of Famer Harley Race, where Punk’s steadfast commitment to his straight-edge lifestyle took center stage.
Punk’s adherence to the straight-edge philosophy, which eschews alcohol, drugs, and smoking, has been well-documented throughout his career.
In a revealing anecdote shared by Steel, he recalled a moment when Race bought shots for everyone at a bar, prompting a waitress to pressure Punk into joining in the drinking festivities.
Resolute in his principles, Punk declined the offer, leading to a creative solution. Steel recounted,
“He wouldn’t do it and the waitress was like, ‘Harley Race bought you that shot. You need to drink it.’ He’s like, ‘I don’t drink.’ He bought a round of milk and Harley gave the nod, and we all drank milk! He’s just been himself.”
This episode exemplifies Punk’s unwavering commitment to his beliefs and his ability to navigate social situations with authenticity and creativity.
In a separate revelation, Steel discussed the invaluable advice imparted by long-time WWE creative team member Bruce Prichard to emerging talents, including himself and CM Punk, during their developmental years.
Prichard, known for his storytelling prowess, encouraged wrestlers to embody exaggerated versions of themselves, drawing parallels to the iconic persona of Stone Cold Steve Austin.
Initially met with skepticism by Steel and his peers, Prichard’s repetitive anecdotes about Austin’s character grated on them.
Reflecting on Prichard’s counsel, Steel acknowledged its wisdom, emphasizing the importance of authenticity in crafting compelling on-screen personas.
“But he’s right [about being a version of yourself]. I searched for that forever… because I didn’t focus on such a thing. I was so focused on the in-ring versus that, which you need to have the complete package.”
In drawing parallels between Punk and Austin, both renowned for their authenticity and blurring the lines between fiction and reality in their promos, Steel highlights the enduring impact of Prichard’s guidance.
As fans eagerly anticipate CM Punk’s potential return to WWE, his commitment to staying true to himself and engaging audiences with his genuine persona remains a hallmark of his enduring appeal.
