While he was initially annoyed he wasn’t able to surprise fans, Orton said that he felt good about the situation at Survivor Series when everything was over. On top of that, it sounds as though the longtime WWE star is excited to work with Punk once again.

“On a personal level, I was happy to have him back,” Orton stated. “He’s a hell of a worker, hell of a guy.”

The WWE star acknowledged that he and Punk have some history, but they haven’t been around one another for the last 10 years. While Punk had some controversy surrounding him during his previous WWE run, Orton said he knows better than anyone how people can change over time.

“He’s more mature than he was,” Orton continued. “As am I, and I think that when I saw him in Chicago, [I] shook his hand, gave him a little hug, and it was nothing but sincere. We were both happy to see each other and I want him to do great here, you know? And I think the feeling’s mutual.”

Both Orton and Punk are slated to be active at the upcoming 2024 WWE Royal Rumble. Punk will compete in the titular battle royale, while Orton is set to wrestle in a Fatal Four-Way also featuring Roman Reigns, LA Knight, and AJ Styles with the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship on the line.