CM Punk Talks "Bankrolled" Lawsuit Against Him, The Purpose Of It, If WWE Brass Will Watch His Fight

As noted, CM Punk recently sat down with Ariel Helwani for MMAFighting.com just days before the former WWE Superstar's long-awaited professional MMA debut at UFC 203 against Mickey Gall tonight. Among other things, Punk talked about the defamation lawsuit brought by WWE doctor Chris Amann being a source of stress for the former WWE Champion. Also, Punk said he did not believe WWE brass will be watching the fight, unless they are secretly hoping to see him get beaten up.

When asked to describe his journey to UFC 203, Punk claimed to be in "a much better place" now than he was before he first embarked on training for his UFC debut. Punk insinuated that 'Doc' Amann's lawsuit is a constant reminder of a bygone time in his life. The action, which was also brought against Colt Cabana, was in response to Punk's appearance on Cabana's Art Of Wrestling podcast, following 'The Best In The World”s departure from WWE.

"I'm just in a much better place. I had a lot going on, and I still do. There's still stuff that I need to get out from underneath. It's very hard to look towards the future when you're forced to deal and stare at your past and stuff like that. I just want to be left alone in regards to my old life. I've got no problem talking about it and stuff like that, but some people just got to try to keep sucking you back in and won't let you go."

The case, which Punk called "the silly bankrolled lawsuit", admitted that it is a source of stress for him.

"It's designed to get me to spend money. That's what it's doing, so it's just a source of stress that I just need to get out from under." Punk continued, "I have good days and I have bad days. Yeah, there's a finish line for sure, but it's the way these things work. It's a bunch of B.S."

Punk said did not believe anyone from WWE's braintrust will watch his UFC debut because no one in management is a fan of MMA.

"I doubt it. I don't think so. Every single person in management always told me that, always went out of their way to tell me, that the weren't fans of MMA, so I don't imagine. Maybe they'll watch because they're secretly hoping I get beat up. Maybe."

Remember to join us tonight for our live coverage of UFC 203.