CM Punk won the World Heavyweight Championship at this month's Saturday Night's Main Event, the second time he's held the title this year.
The Best in the World's first reign ended abruptly when Seth Rollins cashed in on him at SummerSlam, and the hope now is that Punk will have a lengthy run as champion. However, holding the title no longer has any sort of financial benefit for WWE's Superstars.
Appearing on Mark Titus and Brandon Walker's "Mostly Sports" podcast, Punk explained how holding a world title in WWE has changed.
"The thing with the title is it means you made more money. That does not exist anymore," Punk said of how being WWE Champion now differs from his last reign in 2013. "It’s good and bad. Like, we all make more money now, which is — thumbs up."
"My paycheck was always predicated on how many people were in the building, so I was driven towards ticket sales and the business of it," he continued. "And when you’re in the main events, you got paid more money. Now everyone is just kind of on salary. I think that’s good and bad."
"It’s good for the boys. But also I feel there’s not the same ambition, you know? I always wanted to be in the main event because it got me more money. Now I don’t care if I’m the opening match, because I’m still going to make the same. I can shower and watch the show now," the Second City Saint admitted.
In a separate interview with WGN News in Chicago, Punk opened up on his current "tremendous" WWE run. He added, "Literally having the time of my life. And I think that resonates, I think you can see it. [The World Heavyweight Championship] is an unexpected treat"
"And, you know, obviously, I’m older, I’m more mature. And I feel like I get it now," Punk noted. "I feel like — the weight of this [title], it isn’t so heavy, but I have more of an understanding now. Like, yeah, this is part of the job. I know some day this is all going to be over, so I’m really just enjoying it."
In the same conversation, the World Heavyweight Champion also reflected on his rivalry with John Cena and the Intercontinental Champion's impending retirement.
"I’m a small part of his story, and I’m proud to be that small part," Punk said. "And it’s been everything to me. I’m a fan of his, just like people are fans of me. So being around him and being there to experience him just kind of gracefully [bowing out], I feel like I’m skating with [Wayne] Gretzky during his last couple games."
You can watch both interviews with Punk in the players below.