CM Punk has had not one, but two iconic entrance themes in WWE. The one most of you will know him best for is "Cult of Personality" by Living Colour, but he previously made his way to the ring to Killswitch Engage's "This Fire Burns."
In a new interview, the Second City Saint was asked if he would ever consider using "This Fire Burns" again (it was featured in a package shown at this year's WrestleMania ahead of his first main event).
"No, I can’t, and I’m gonna tell you why, even though it’s none of your business. 'Cult of Personality' is iconic. 'This Fire Burns' is also iconic," Punk shared. "But come on, we’re talking about Living Colour. Vernon Reid. That song’s been with me since 1989 when it came out and I was on the Little League team, The Indians."
"I knew it was time to make 'Cult Of Personality' my official theme song in WWE when I was renegotiating my contract, and I knew how much Vince McMahon hated to pay for licensed music," he said, reflecting on his WWE Championship win in 2011. "And I said, 'Guess what, pal? The only way I’m re-signing is if I get this song.'"
"I thought he was gonna say no and I was gonna peace out and go on vacation," Punk added. "He said yes, and well, now here I am."
The Best in the World also reflected on another clash with McMahon while he was the leader of the Straight Edge Society. "All hell broke loose. It turned into a big thing where Vince McMahon was very upset with me and demanded I dye my hair back, and I refused to do it. It turned into a thing."
Asked when he might retire, Punk replied, "I’ll f*cking retire whenever I want to. There’s work to be done, okay? And you’re gonna miss me when I’m gone, so shut the f*ck up."
He also explained where he draws the line between "CM Punk" and Phil Brooks. "One of the hardest parts of being a WWE superstar for me, at least, is the relationship I have with fans in public. You see me on the street, I am not CM Punk. I’m just a dude, Phil, trying to mind his own business."
"If you are waiting for me at an airport or a hotel, I will say no, thank you, sir. This is an airport and/or a hotel, this is tantamount to stalking."
You can hear more from Punk in the player below.