CM Punk, WWE Superstar and current World Heavyweight Champion, recently addressed remarks made by WWE Champion Drew McIntyre regarding the WWE 2K26 cover. The discussion arose after McIntyre accused Punk of being a “junkie” and suggested he made “a deal with the devil” to secure the cover spot for this year’s WWE 2K26, where Punk is prominently featured in the 2K Showcase.
Punk Suggests McIntyre’s Remarks Stem from Jealousy
When asked about McIntyre’s remarks during an interview with talkSPORT, Punk dismissed the comments as typical publicity tactics. He stated,
You know, it’s what everybody does. They got to talk about the cover athlete. They got to talk about the champ to stay relevant, to say anything interesting.
Addressing whether jealousy played a role, Punk added,
I mean, has Drew ever been on the cover? Okay, so maybe there’s a little bit of jealousy. There’s a little bit of envy there, you know? I don’t know what else to say beyond that.
Criticism of McIntyre’s Popularity in Scotland
Punk further cast doubt on McIntyre’s appeal in his home country of Scotland, questioning whether fans there would support the game if McIntyre appeared on the cover. He remarked,
If Drew was on the cover, we could do the 15 staples on the top of his head that I put in his head in Hell in the Cell. Maybe that’ll sell covers. I don’t know. I don’t even think people in Scotland would buy it if Drew was on the cover.
WWE 2K26 Release Details
The WWE 2K26 video game’s Standard Edition is set for worldwide release on Friday, March 13, 2026. Additional editions such as the King of Kings Edition, Attitude Era Edition, and Monday Night War Edition will become available earlier, on Friday, March 6, 2026.
Significance of the Cover Controversy
The exchange between CM Punk and Drew McIntyre highlights the ongoing rivalry and tension between top WWE superstars, especially as they vie for prominence tied to major platform features like WWE 2K26. Punk’s defense not only addresses McIntyre’s comments but also underscores his own status at the center of WWE’s current narrative. As the game’s launch approaches, this public disagreement adds a layer of anticipation and intrigue among wrestling fans and gamers alike, potentially influencing the reception and marketing around WWE 2K26.
