CM Punk has pulled back the curtain on the production of live WWE television, revealing what he calls one of the “secret rules” of professional wrestling. The rule explains how and when top superstars are allowed to go over their allotted time for a promo or match.
In a new interview with Josh Lawless of SportBible, conducted to promote the upcoming Netflix docuseries WWE Unreal, Punk gave a fascinating insight into the art of timing a live show. He explained that while WWE shows are meticulously timed, there is one major exception to the rule.
The “Secret Rule” Of Going Long
Punk stated that the unwritten rule is that a performer can go over their allotted time, but only if the segment is connecting with the audience on a high level. He contrasted this with a segment that is failing to get a reaction.
“It’s one of the secret rules. As long as it’s really, really good, you can get away with it,” CM Punk explained. “Going 20 minutes over and you suck, that’s no good.”
The Art Of Timing A Live Show
Live WWE broadcasts like Raw and SmackDown are complex productions that are timed out to the second. Producers and agents work with a “rundown sheet” that allocates a specific amount of time for each match, interview, and backstage segment to ensure the show hits its commercial breaks and ends on time.
Going over your allotted time can have a domino effect, forcing other segments on the show to be shortened or cut entirely.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – APRIL 19: CM Punk (L) and Paul Heyman look on during Punk’s Triple Threat match against Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins during WrestleMania 41 at Allegiant Stadium on April 19, 2025… LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – APRIL 19: CM Punk (L) and Paul Heyman look on during Punk’s Triple Threat match against Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins during WrestleMania 41 at Allegiant Stadium on April 19, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
This is why only the most trusted and successful superstars are given the leeway to improvise and extend their segments. Punk, who delivered the legendary, time-bending “Pipe Bomb” promo in 2011, is one of the few who has earned that trust.
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A Locker Room Leader’s Mentality
Punk also revealed that he often prefers to go shorter than his allotted time to help his fellow performers. He explained that a good locker room works together to ensure the best possible show.
“I would rather go short than long,” he said. “If Rhea [Ripley] is in the next segment, I can nudge here and be like, ‘Hey, you guys need two minutes? I can give you two minutes’. That’s the way a lot of the talent work together.”
He cited recent, lengthy segments involving The Bloodline and The Rock as examples of when it is right to go long.
“When it’s really good and the crowd’s going absolutely banana for it – you can’t really rush through it,” he stated.
He also mentioned the passionate overseas crowds, whose singing and chanting are special moments that the company has learned not to interrupt.
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