CM Punk has spoken out following Kevin Nash’s recent comments criticizing his choice to wear a shirt during WWE matches, a style Nash found questionable while Punk held the World Heavyweight Championship. Nash’s critique, made last month, also suggested that Punk’s prime wrestling years are behind him.
At a WWE live event, Punk played with the idea of removing his shirt only to reveal another underneath, which many fans interpreted as a subtle jab at Nash’s criticism. Nash, a WWE Hall of Famer, had recommended Punk to “go to a gym,” targeting the 47-year-old’s physical condition.
However, Punk clarified the situation during an interview with ComingSoon.net:
“I can say it had nothing to do with him but obviously the genesis of the story was him saying that I wrestled in a shirt and I never wrestle in a shirt so I didn’t really understand what the criticism was.”
Nash’s remarks came shortly after Punk had teamed with Rey Mysterio in a tag team bout against Austin Theory and Bronson Reed. While Punk wore a shirt for that match, his normal ring gear consists of just trunks, including his appearance defending the World Heavyweight Championship against Bron Breakker on WWE RAW’s anniversary show on Netflix.
Punk added further insight on his choice to wear a shirt at the house show, explaining,
“But Thanks, you’re right. I did that to make people I was in the ring with laugh, because when I’m on a house show to me that’s what it’s about, it’s about having fun.”
The relationship between Nash and Punk has been strained for years, dating back to a hostile promo Punk delivered in 2011. Nash, who is now retired, has said that WWE Chairman Vince McMahon prevented him from responding to Punk’s insult, which included a remark mocking Nash’s age by implying his sister believed he was deceased.
CM Punk’s Plans Regarding His Wrestling Retirement
Though Nash implies Punk’s best days are behind him, Punk expects to remain active in the ring for several more years. The wrestler, nicknamed the Voice of the Voiceless, has shared that he does not plan to retire immediately.
After witnessing John Cena’s retirement moment at Saturday Night’s Main Event in December, Punk shared his own outlook on ending his wrestling career during an interview with Cinema Blend:
“I would estimate probably the big 50 is when I should maybe gracefully bow out.”
Punk’s surprise comeback at Survivor Series in November 2023, held in his hometown of Chicago, marked the end of a nine-year WWE absence. Unfortunately, his return was met with a setback when he suffered an injury during the 2024 Royal Rumble match.
Once he recovered, Punk quickly reestablished himself as one of WWE’s top stars. Last year, he earned a WrestleMania main event spot and has clinched the World Heavyweight Championship twice, reinforcing his status within the promotion.
