John Laurinaitis recalls CM Punk's 2011 pipe bomb promo impact

During a live signing event on June 21, John Laurinaitis reflected on the backstage atmosphere after CM Punk's infamous "pipe bomb" promo in 2011. Laurinaitis noted that while he, Vince McMahon, and other producers were not overtly nervous, discussions ensued about preventing similar incidents in the future. Although not an on-screen character at the time, Laurinaitis was referenced by Punk in the promo. Following the incident, he began to make regular appearances on WWE programming, later becoming the General Manager of "Raw" in October. These remarks came during Laurinaitis's recent public appearance after his departure from WWE in 2022 and involvement in a civil lawsuit against McMahon.

• 5:30 PMWrestling Inc — Former WWE Executive Looks Back On Infamous CM Punk Pipe Bomb Promo