During a recent episode of WWE’s Saturday Night’s Main Event, CM Punk shared a rare behind-the-scenes moment involving actor Jon Bernthal, highlighting a mutual respect beyond the wrestling ring. The event, which took place amid a star-studded audience featuring figures like Metro Boomin and NBA player Tyrese Haliburton, became memorable for Punk’s unexpected backstage interaction after noticing Bernthal ringside at John Cena’s final match.
Expressing Admiration for Bernthal’s Portrayal of Frank Castle
In an interview with ComicBook.com, Punk revealed that after spotting Bernthal, he insisted that someone bring the actor backstage so he could personally commend him for his role as Frank Castle, also known as The Punisher. Punk admitted, “I never do this,” but as a lifelong comic book fan, he felt compelled to express his appreciation. He praised Bernthal’s performance as the first to truly succeed where previous portrayals had fallen short, emphasizing,
“every single iteration of The Punisher try to make it to the big screen and the small screen and…fail spectacularly,”
and noted that Bernthal was the one who finally nailed it.
The Importance of Acknowledging Craft and Passion Across Fields
The brief but meaningful exchange left a strong impression on Punk, who pointed out that recognizing great work is just as vital behind the scenes as it is in front of the crowd. He described Bernthal’s depiction as intense and authentic, calling it “so damn good,” and expressed eagerness to see more of his work, particularly Bernthal’s recent return to the character. For Punk, this moment reinforced the idea that dedication and skill—whether in wrestling or acting—deserve to be honored when someone truly embodies their craft.
