CM Punk to host red carpet at music awards show on July 21 opposite WWE Raw

Retired pro wrestler CM Punk has been announced as the co-host of the Gibson Brands' AP Music Awards on July 21, 2014 at the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in Cleveland, Ohio.

Punk continues to transition into a career as a pop culture generalist with this gig interviewing musical celebrities as they enter the awards.  He'll be partnered with a previous contestant on the NBC singing competition/reality show The Voice and frontwoman for the band Automatic Loveletter, Juliet Simms.

Alternative Press (the 'AP' of AP Music Awards) had this to say about the latest addition to their debut event:

Professional wrestling champion CM Punk has been officially added as a red carpet host at the APMAs! As a life-long music fan, CM Punk will be making one of his first public appearances since he stepped away from his many years in the squared circle. CM Punk will be joining co-host Juliet Simms to interview celebrities for the AXS TV red carpet pre-show extravaganza!

The man himself is quoted as saying:

Well, I'm actually stoked to get out of the house and get gussied up for the first-ever Gibson Brands AP Music Awards, fueled by Monster Energy Drink. Red carpets and me don't mix, so I figure it'll be a perfectly hilarious night with friends and a live microphone-my favorite! Be there and be square!

The show airs on AXS TV (formerly HDNet and predominantly available on Dish Network), Monday, July 21st at 8PM Eastern.  So, yes, opposite WWE Raw, which will be in Miami, Florida that night.  And, shortly after his contract is rumored to expire.

Also interesting that he's moving away being promoted as "Phil Brooks AKA CM Punk".  As time passes since his late January exit from WWE and wrestling, it's smart to leverage the brand as he establishes his presence as a celebrity commentator in his other fields of interest.

That's the latest.  Proceed to complain and/or tell us how you don't care in the comments below.