CM Punk embraces acting like Batista as RAW sees The Second City Saint retain title

The former WWE champion Batista (real name: Dave Bautista) won the audience’s admiration for his acting career, which was characterized by versatility. He was, however, seen occasionally on WWE TV during the last ten years but in fact, he had left for a full-time acting career in Hollywood. The Animal announced his retirement from wrestling in 2019 after participating in a match against Triple H at WrestleMania 35.

Batista’s film career leaves a lasting impression on CM Punk

To this moment, he has played several exceptional characters and has been credited as an actor besides the mentioned roles Dune, Knock at the Cabin, Guardians of the Galaxy, and Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery. Batista’s past co-worker, CM Punk, stated, “there is no small role” for an actor and admitted being influenced by the Ruthless Aggression Era legend in taking the revolutionary route of acting.

CM Punk reflects on growth and versatility as an actor

CM Punk, during an interview with That Hashtag Show, was pushing his new movie Night Patrol, a horror thriller that is set to be released in the USA on January 16, 2026. The Chicago-born actor said he was maturing with his varied roles and also disclosed that he was in the middle of filming a romantic comedy feature, saying that he wants people to notice his acting and will, therefore, accept every chance that comes his way.

“This fell into my lap. I was supposed to read for Ryan Prow – the director. Once they heard I agreed to read for him, they just said, ‘Okay, then never mind. He’s got the job.’ I come on set, and I’m surrounded by wildly talented people, in front of the camera and behind.”

CM Punk opens up on his all-in approach to acting and Hollywood ambition

“They paid me to have fun and learn from actors who are better than me. It’s only going to help me grow, and this movie is going to open eyes to my talent. The litany of talent that is in this movie — yeah, I cast a wide net. I want to do everything like Dave Bautista [Batista]. I’m currently shooting a romcom in Calgary, which I think is going to turn a lot of heads to.

There’s no such thing as small roles. I want to jump into every single opportunity that gets thrown my way and have fun doing it,” CM Punk said.

The Second City Saint defeats Bron Breakker to keep championship

The Second City Saint reigns as the World Heavyweight Champion on Monday Night RAW. He managed to keep the belt by defeating Bron Breakker in the main event during the first anniversary show on Netflix last week. It is still unclear what this WrestleMania season will bring for The Best in the World, as Paul Heyman and The Vision are still very much present and likely to be involved.