CM Punk described a confrontation with Brazilian military officials that occurred during the only WWE event held in the country in 2012. His opponent at the time snatched a national flag from a spectator, prompting an immediate response from armed personnel.
Punk recounted the events during an appearance on "The Late Run." He said machine guns were pointed at him after the opponent rolled out of the ring and took the flag.
"Brazil don't play," Punk stated. He noted that he had tried to warn his opponent against the action but could not stop it. A second referee entered the ring, and the situation escalated quickly as men in fatigues surrounded the ring with weapons drawn.
Officials instructed the wrestlers to end the match immediately, but the opponent refused. Punk rolled him up for a pinfall, then took the flag and kissed it on the turnbuckle. The opponent was later escorted away, with an attempt made to seize his passport, before he was removed from the country under cover of night.