LJ Cleary’s post about training with CM Punk may seem like a simple shoutout at first glance, but it represents so much more
It reflects his journey, his aspirations, and the interconnected world of wrestling where every opportunity counts.
For CM Punk, it’s a continuation of his commitment to mentoring. For Valkyria, it’s added momentum as she climbs the WWE ladder.
Teddy Long’s prediction may seem speculative, but it’s grounded in years of experience watching how WWE crafts stories of betrayal, tension, and emotional stakes. CM Punk and Sami Zayn are walking a tightrope heading into Saturday Night’s Main Event.
If they can work together, they might pull off a memorable victory. But if tensions boil over, fans could witness the start of WWE’s next great rivalry.
One thing is certain—whether Punk walks out or not, the match will have consequences far beyond a single night of action.
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Training with a Legend: LJ Cleary’s Message to CM Punk
In the ever-evolving world of professional wrestling, behind-the-scenes connections often carry as much intrigue as the storylines portrayed on television.1
Recently, LJ Cleary—fiancé of rising WWE star Lyra Valkyria—took to social media to share an impactful moment from his wrestling journey.
After a training session with CM Punk at Ace Steel’s “The Foundation of Professional Wrestling,” Cleary sent a heartfelt message to Punk, reflecting the mutual respect shared between wrestlers at different stages of their careers.
“Extremely cool to have the honor of training with CM Punk at The Foundation last night!” Cleary wrote on X.
“Thank you for the knowledge! Ace Steel provides one of the absolute best environments I’ve been part of to produce top quality Pro Wrestlers! BITW 🤝 MVP.”
The photo he shared with Punk underscored the moment’s significance—not just for Cleary, but for fans who appreciate the inner workings of the industry.
I’ll be on #AEWRampage live tonight with an important announcement in regards to the @aew world championship, and my career. Please tune in at 9pm CST/10pm EST.
— player/coach (@CMPunk) June 4, 2022
The Foundation of Professional Wrestling: A Hub for Talent Development
The training session between Cleary and Punk took place at “The Foundation of Professional Wrestling,” a facility run by veteran wrestler and coach Ace Steel.
Steel, a longtime friend and trainer of Punk, is known for his ability to elevate talents by pushing technical boundaries and emphasizing storytelling—two elements central to Punk’s wrestling identity.
For Cleary, getting a chance to train under Steel and alongside Punk is a milestone in his own journey.
Though he’s not signed with WWE at the time of writing, his proximity to Valkyria’s meteoric rise and his evident passion for wrestling keep him within reach of bigger opportunities.
CM Punk’s Current Feuds on Monday Night RAW
Punk’s appearance at the training facility is notable because it comes amid a highly involved schedule on WWE’s flagship show, Monday Night RAW.2
The Second City Saint has found himself at the center of three major feuds: Seth Rollins, Paul Heyman, and the up-and-coming powerhouse Bron Breakker.
With Seth Rollins, the tension is personal and philosophical. Both men see themselves as the face of WWE but approach it from starkly different angles.
Paul Heyman’s involvement has added an intriguing layer of manipulation and history, especially considering Heyman’s influence over talents like Roman Reigns and Brock Lesnar.
As for Breakker, the storyline represents a symbolic passing of the torch—or a struggle to prevent it. Breakker’s raw intensity and athleticism contrast with Punk’s cerebral, gritty persona. The clash of styles has quickly made their conflict must-see television.
Lyra Valkyria’s Momentum and Rising Tensions with Becky Lynch
While Punk battles on multiple fronts, Lyra Valkyria has quietly—and now loudly—carved out her own space on RAW.
The current WWE Women’s Intercontinental Champion, Valkyria recently defended her title successfully against Becky Lynch at WWE Backlash, with LJ Cleary present in the front row for support.
The animosity between Valkyria and Lynch has reached new heights. Valkyria controversially cost Lynch a spot in this year’s Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match—a decision that has fans divided but undeniably hooked.
The storytelling between two proud Irish wrestlers—one a legend and the other a surging star—has created a compelling narrative about respect, legacy, and the hunger to take the next step.
The Man and the Message
Cleary’s presence at WWE Backlash did not go unnoticed. He was seen cheering on Valkyria during her match against Lynch, a bout that was both technically sound and emotionally charged.
Following the match, Lynch made sure to taunt Cleary, signaling that their rivalry may extend beyond just Valkyria and Lynch—it’s becoming personal for everyone involved.
This added layer of real-life connection gives the feud a more authentic flavor. Wrestling is at its best when fiction and reality blur, and the triangle involving Valkyria, Lynch, and Cleary is a perfect example.
From Dublin to the WWE Spotlight: Cleary’s Wrestling Journey
Hailing from Dublin, like his fiancé Valkyria and rival Lynch, LJ Cleary has built a solid reputation on the independent wrestling scene.
Known for his charisma, technical ability, and high-flying style, Cleary has made waves in promotions across Europe, including OTT Wrestling (Over The Top Wrestling) in Ireland.
Training with CM Punk is a huge step for him. While he’s always been respected in indie circles, the association with Punk could open doors in North America, particularly if WWE scouts are watching.
His post on X wasn’t just a fan moment—it was a subtle message to the wrestling world that he’s ready for the next level.
CM Punk: Mentor Mode Activated
CM Punk has often spoken about wanting to help the next generation of wrestlers.3
Despite his controversial persona, both on-screen and off, Punk has a genuine passion for the craft.
Training sessions like the one with Cleary offer glimpses into a side of Punk that fans don’t always see: the teacher, the mentor, the veteran who cares deeply about wrestling’s future.
His participation at The Foundation is consistent with his desire to preserve and elevate the art form. Whether it’s teaching footwork, psychology, or promos, Punk’s knowledge base is as vast as it is valuable.
Ace Steel’s Role in Shaping the Future
Ace Steel has played a pivotal role in many wrestlers’ careers—Punk’s included. His training facility is designed to be more than just a gym.
It’s a place where storytelling, conditioning, and mental toughness are developed. That environment, according to Cleary, is among the best he’s experienced.
Steel’s involvement gives Cleary’s training session more legitimacy. It wasn’t just a photo-op or one-off workshop—it was a hands-on learning experience with one of wrestling’s best minds overseeing it.
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Punk and Valkyria: Parallel Paths on RAW
It’s an interesting coincidence—or perhaps a strategic narrative—that both Punk and Valkyria are involved in heated feuds on RAW.
Punk represents the old guard challenging the new era, while Valkyria is the new era trying to break through established legends.
Both wrestlers thrive on intensity, technical precision, and layered storytelling. Their mutual involvement in top-level storylines positions them as key players on RAW heading into major events like SummerSlam and Survivor Series.
The Power Couple in the Making?
- WWE has a history of capitalizing on real-life relationships for storyline purposes.
- From Edge and Lita to Triple H and Stephanie McMahon, the integration of personal lives into programming can elevate characters and deepen fan investment.
- While there’s no official indication that WWE will incorporate Cleary and Valkyria’s relationship into a storyline, it wouldn’t be surprising if it eventually happens.
- Cleary’s growing visibility, paired with Valkyria’s ongoing push, lays the groundwork for potential future angles involving them as a duo.
- With the exposure from training with Punk and his consistent performances on the indie scene, the question now is: what’s next for LJ Cleary? A WWE tryout? A contract with NXT? Continued growth on the independent circuit?
- Whatever the future holds, Cleary is clearly motivated and connected in the right circles.
- His respectful, grateful attitude following the session with Punk highlights his professionalism—something every promoter looks for.
Also Read: Penta El Zero Miedo Opens Up: CM Punk’s Changed Demeanor Since AEW Encounter
Teddy Long Predicts Fallout Between CM Punk and Sami Zayn
As anticipation builds for the upcoming edition of Saturday Night’s Main Event, WWE fans are preparing for a blockbuster tag team showdown: CM Punk and Sami Zayn versus Seth Rollins and Bron Breakker.
While this bout promises high-octane action, WWE Hall of Famer Teddy Long has thrown a curveball into the conversation—hinting at a possible betrayal in the ranks of the babyfaces.
In a recent episode of The Wrestling Time Machine, Long speculated on CM Punk’s potential to snap and walk out on Sami Zayn.
If his prediction proves accurate, fans may witness the birth of a compelling rivalry between two of WWE’s most passionate performers.
An Unlikely Alliance: Punk and Zayn Team Up
CM Punk and Sami Zayn are an unusual pairing in today’s WWE landscape. Despite being fan-favorites, their personas contrast sharply.
Punk thrives on rebellion, controversy, and calculated chaos, while Zayn has recently leaned into a more emotional, loyal, and sometimes even goofy character.
Their alliance comes at a tumultuous time in WWE. Punk, still recovering from the fallout of WrestleMania 41, is emotionally and psychologically on edge.
Zayn, on the other hand, is emerging from a long and dramatic feud with The Bloodline, only to find himself thrust into a new narrative alongside Punk.
While both men are beloved by fans and respected for their work ethic and in-ring prowess, their team-up raises several questions. Can they coexist long enough to defeat two of WWE’s most dangerous competitors in Rollins and Breakker?
Teddy Long Weighs In: Could Punk Walk Out?
Teddy Long, a veteran of WWE both as a manager and a general manager, offered a striking theory.
He believes that while Punk and Zayn may win the match, there’s a deeper story brewing—one that could end in betrayal.
“Maybe CM Punk is just walking out on him and just leaving him there,” Long said. “If they do it right, then there’s a match that they can get out of them.”
Long’s prediction isn’t without merit. Punk’s character has always thrived in shades of gray. Whether as a full-blown heel or a morally ambiguous anti-hero, The Second City Saint is notorious for abandoning allies when it suits him.
Sami Zayn, though he has evolved over the years, still represents loyalty and honor—a combination that could easily irritate someone like Punk, especially if he’s nursing grudges from past betrayals, including Paul Heyman’s WrestleMania swerve.
What’s Next for CM Punk?
Whether he walks out on Zayn or not, CM Punk’s trajectory in WWE seems to be leading toward bigger and more personal feuds.
He remains one of the most polarizing figures in professional wrestling, and WWE will likely continue to lean into that.
A feud with Sami Zayn would serve as a detour—a compelling one—before Punk potentially resumes his quest for championship gold or closure with Paul Heyman and Seth Rollins.
Punk is also no stranger to walking out—literally and figuratively. Whether it’s part of the script or based in real tension, fans are always watching closely.
The X-Factor: Seth Rollins and Bron Breakker
While much of the attention is on Punk and Zayn, one shouldn’t overlook their opponents. Seth Rollins and Bron Breakker represent a dangerous duo with plenty of motive to cause chaos.
Rollins, now aligned with Paul Heyman, has been thriving in his new role. He’s cunning, brutal, and backed by a mastermind. Meanwhile, Breakker is a rising powerhouse who brings intensity and athleticism to the team.
The Rollins-Punk rivalry is especially heated. Their history dates back over a decade, but the post-WrestleMania 41 chapter is deeply personal. Rollins has what Punk wants—a chance at redemption and the backing of Heyman. If Rollins and Breakker can exploit the tension between Punk and Zayn, they may not even need to win the match to get the upper hand.
The Honorary Uce: Sami Zayn’s Post-Bloodline Journey
Zayn’s character has been on an emotional rollercoaster since departing from The Bloodline. Once a manipulated pawn and later a defiant rebel, Zayn has emerged as a symbol of resilience and integrity.
Teaming with Punk is a major step in his narrative arc. It’s a test of whether he can trust again, align himself with volatile allies, and remain true to his beliefs.
If Punk turns on him, Zayn’s story takes another dramatic turn—one that could make him an even more sympathetic figure to fans.
