CM Punk responded to the heated discussions surrounding the Stranger Things finale, addressing the ongoing uproar among fans just days after the episode aired on Netflix. During an appearance on the My Mom’s Basement podcast to promote his new film, Punk openly shared his perspective on the final episode, the growing criticism, and the culture within dedicated fandoms.
Punk Explores Fan Culture Frustrations
While discussing the widespread reactions to the Stranger Things finale, CM Punk compared the current state of fan outrage to behavior he has observed in wrestling communities. He questioned whether the backlash is the result of generational shifts or the intense nature of modern “stan” culture.
“I don’t know if this is just like a stan culture thing or if I’ve just, like, aged out. I certainly don’t understand. I see it in wrestling, and I see it with fandoms like Stranger Things and all that stuff,”
CM Punk observed. His remarks reflected a sense of distance and confusion regarding the intensity of critics and how it crosses from one entertainment world to another.
He continued with his analysis of fan reactions, saying,
“People just seem to want to be angry about everything because it didn’t happen the way they fantasy booked it in their head. To me, that’s a slight mental illness.”
—CM Punk. By making this comparison, Punk drew a line between passionate support and persistent outrage, suggesting some reactions may be disproportionate to the actual story outcomes.
Comparing Outrage in Wrestling and TV Fandoms
Punk did not limit his comments to Stranger Things alone, but also acknowledged that wrestling fans often express anger when anticipated rumors and storylines don’t materialize during WWE shows. He noted a resemblance between fan responses in wrestling and the uproar over the Stranger Things finale, underlining how fans, regardless of the medium, can become disgruntled when events diverge from their expectations.
“People [are] just straight up mad about the way it ended, and I thought the 45-minute epilogue—I was like, now mind you, I’m not a feverish Stranger Things fan. I’ve watched the entire show. Hard to remember what has happened because they spend way too much time in between seasons, which I feel is a valid criticism,”
Punk said, highlighting a common critique about the series’ lengthy pauses between seasons that can affect viewer engagement.
Despite admitting to not being an avid fan, Punk praised the creative direction of the finale itself.
“I thought it was so poetic the way they wrapped it up. At the heart of the movie, it’s a nostalgia bomb.”
—CM Punk. This endorsement placed him apart from the harshest critics, as he valued the emotional and nostalgic closure the show provided for viewers.
Finale Marks the End of a Landmark Series
The Stranger Things finale, released on December 31, 2025, concluded a five-season arc that spanned almost a decade on Netflix, cementing its legacy as a significant moment in television storytelling. The extensive anticipation and eventual conclusion made the series a cultural touchpoint, and the critical reactions from viewers have sparked passionate debates about the role of fan expectations in entertainment.
CM Punk’s insights offer a window into how the boundaries between fandom and criticism blur, not just in wrestling but also in the broader world of television and streaming content. As fan outrage remains a defining part of modern media consumption, the CM Punk Stranger Things finale debate highlights how creators and communities navigate cultural milestones amid diverse opinions.
