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Matt Riddle Slams CM Punk Over Backstage Issues, Recalls Awkward John Cena Encounter

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Former WWE wrestler Matt Riddle has openly criticized CM Punk, bringing the topic of

“CM Punk backstage issues highlighted by Matt Riddle”

into focus during his appearance on the Going Ringside podcast. Riddle, who is known for his straightforward approach, also recounted an uncomfortable backstage exchange with John Cena, underlining the complicated relationships among top WWE figures.

Matt Riddle Calls Out CM Punk’s Behavior Behind the Scenes

When asked about his thoughts on CM Punk, Riddle did not hold back his feelings, targeting Punk’s conduct within WWE’s backstage environment. Stressing his dissatisfaction, Riddle described the challenges of working alongside the former WWE Champion, not only from his own encounters but also based on feedback from current talent.

“That guy sucks at fighting and he’s a bitch to work with in the back,”

—Matt Riddle, Former WWE Superstar

Riddle reinforced his criticism by claiming that Punk’s presence is far from harmonious backstage, suggesting that his negative reputation is no secret among those who work with him.

“He just belly aches and complains… I’ve heard from my boys that still work there that he is a headache, and this isn’t a storyline, this is the facts.”

—Matt Riddle, Former WWE Superstar

These statements from Riddle point to ongoing friction that has, according to him, impacted WWE’s locker room for some time, painting a picture of tension surrounding Punk’s return and status in the company.

Recounting a Tense First Meeting with John Cena

Matt Riddle also recalled a notably awkward first conversation with John Cena during his run in WWE. The moment took a humorous but tense turn, revealing the unpredictable dynamics between rising stars and WWE legends.

“I accidentally said I thought he would be bigger,”

—Matt Riddle, Former WWE Superstar

According to Riddle, Cena did not take kindly to the comment, leading to a memorable verbal exchange.

“He kind of gave me a verbal lashing back and forth. He gave me crap for being the ‘King of Bros,’ tried to get me to explain what that was, and no answer was good enough for John Cena.”

—Matt Riddle, Former WWE Superstar

This encounter with Cena, another key WWE figure, adds to Riddle’s narrative of speaking his mind regardless of company hierarchy or star power.

Reactions Reflect Broader Locker Room Tension

By openly discussing his critical views of CM Punk and sharing an awkward moment with John Cena, Matt Riddle has drawn attention to underlying tensions and complex relationships backstage at WWE. These revelations, highlighting figures like CM Punk, John Cena, and others in WWE, underscore the daily challenges and strong personalities that shape the professional wrestling world.

As reports of CM Punk backstage issues highlighted by Matt Riddle continue to surface, fans and insiders alike may look for further signs of how these strained dynamics could affect future WWE events and storylines.

Michael jones
Michael jones
Michael Jones is a journalist at CynicalTimes.org, dedicated to covering the WWE Raw Men’s Division. With one year of experience in pro wrestling journalism, he provides fans with up-to-date coverage of major matches, superstar rivalries, and evolving storylines from Monday Night Raw. Michael’s reporting dives into the personalities, promos, and pivotal moments that define the Raw brand, offering insights into character arcs, backstage developments, and pay-per-view buildup. He brings a fresh, detail-oriented perspective to his writing, aiming to inform, entertain, and connect readers to the energy and excitement of WWE’s flagship show. Whether it's a rising contender or a veteran champion, Michael highlights the key figures driving the Raw men’s division forward.
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