CM Punk, one of the biggest names in pro wrestling, is keeping a close eye on rising WWE NXT talent—and he’s especially impressed with Lexis King. Known to AEW fans as Brian Pillman Jr., Lexis King is making waves in WWE, and Punk believes he has what it takes to become something special.
Lexis King: A Future Star in the Making
CM Punk and Lexis King spent time together in All Elite Wrestling (AEW) before both moved on in 2023. While Punk made a massive return to WWE at Survivor Series, King joined the NXT roster with a fresh new persona.
In a recent interview with Complex, Punk shared his thoughts on WWE 2K25 and also spoke about NXT talent. When asked about someone in NXT who could match well with him in the ring, Punk didn’t hesitate—he named Lexis King.
Punk said King reminds him of himself during his early days. He explained that while someone like Oba Femi might be seen as a natural “blue-chip” athlete, King has to work harder to win people over. But that effort, Punk said, could lead to great rewards.
“Lexis King… I think is in line to do great things. He’s different. He’s open-minded, he works hard, and I think people will look back and be shocked at how good he became,” said Punk.
What Makes Lexis King Stand Out
According to Punk, Lexis King:
- Has a unique style that sets him apart
- May not be instantly understood by fans or officials
- Is willing to learn and open to ideas
- Is determined to prove himself through hard work
This journey mirrors CM Punk’s own early struggles and rise through hard work and persistence—qualities that often win over fans in the long run.
CM Punk’s Dream Opponents from NXT
While King earned special mention, Punk also praised several former NXT Champions who are now climbing the ranks on WWE’s main roster. He’s excited about the possibility of facing them in the future.
Here are the top names Punk hopes to work with:
- Carmelo Hayes – Known for his slick in-ring style and charisma.
- Trick Williams – A fan favourite with a big personality and growing skill.
- Oba Femi – A powerhouse seen as a top-tier prospect.
- Bron Breakker – Already on the main roster, he has speed, strength, and the “it factor”.
“It’s an embarrassment of riches,” Punk said. “I want to work with all of them, but I’ll probably run out of time before I get the chance.”
Even though Punk recognises time might be limited, he’s still hopeful for dream matches that could headline any show.
Lexis King’s Road Ahead
Lexis King might not have the instant impact of some others, but with Punk’s stamp of approval and his own strong work ethic, he’s definitely someone to watch. Like Punk said, King could turn out to be the kind of superstar people underestimated—until he proves them wrong.
Whether it’s in NXT or eventually on Raw or SmackDown, the future looks bright for Lexis King. And with CM Punk backing him, fans may start paying closer attention to this rising star.
