CM Punk trolls The Undertaker with a sarcastic jab during a recent WWE interview, sparking lively discussions among wrestling fans. The exchange occurred in 2024 while Punk promoted WWE Unreal alongside Rhea Ripley, highlighting his candid and often provocative style.
A Longstanding Rivalry Between Two Wrestling Icons
CM Punk and The Undertaker are two of the most respected figures in professional wrestling, sharing a history that spans numerous intense encounters. Between 2007 and 2013, the duo faced off 50 times, including 28 singles matches, though only seven were televised. Their rivalry featured critical bouts such as the Submission Match at Breaking Point 2009, where Punk retained the World Heavyweight Championship, and subsequent rematches that saw momentum shift between the two stars.
Their battles included Punk’s initial victories followed by The Undertaker reclaiming dominance inside the Hell In a Cell match later that year and further wins on SmackDown. This rivalry culminated in significant stages like WrestleMania 29 in April 2013, where The Undertaker defeated Punk in a memorable clash. Punk has publicly cited that WrestleMania loss as one of his favorite matches, alongside his Money In the Bank 2011 victory over John Cena and his SummerSlam 2013 defeat by Brock Lesnar.
CM Punk’s Sarcastic Take on The Undertaker’s Media Silence
While promoting the Netflix series WWE Unreal on The Pin Down podcast with Rhea Ripley, CM Punk was asked about the mystique of pro wrestling and how it relates to the tradition of kayfabe and fan interaction. The host noted how The Undertaker famously avoided media interviews for many years, preserving an aura of mystery around his character.
When questioned if he wished there was still more of this mystique today, Punk responded with a sharp sarcasm that quickly gained viral attention:
“Do I wish I didn’t have to do interviews? Hmm… no. [Punk and Ripley laugh] Look, listen… The Undertaker was just lazy. That’s the only reason he did that. He got away with not doing this [points down]. That’s why he did it, it wasn’t because he was really dead. I said it,” CM Punk said.
Following this lighthearted dig, Punk shifted to a more serious tone reflecting on his views about protecting wrestling’s legacy amid changing times.
CM Punk Reflects on Wrestling’s Evolution and His Role
At 46, CM Punk acknowledged feeling uneasy about some changes in the wrestling world but admitted he is adapting and sees new opportunities in the evolving landscape. He explained that despite wanting to maintain wrestling’s magic, he understands that resisting these changes alone would be futile.
“No… do I wish there was more mystique? You know, it is what you make it. I think I’m a grown a*s man… I will still protect this business. That’s why I’m kind of wildly uneasy about a lot of this stuff, but it’s… I also take it as it comes. One little old CM Punk standing against the current on this isn’t going to change anything. I might as well go with the flow on it, and to me it’s just a new tool to be able to use it to make the magic I make, if that makes sense,” CM Punk said.
He elaborated on how fans nowadays dissect every detail of wrestling content, separating scripted elements from reality while also getting to know wrestlers more as individuals rather than just characters.
“Because somebody will watch this and somebody will disseminate everything, and then they will, in their mind, think they know, ‘OK… this is real, this isn’t real, that’s scripted, that’s not!’ It’s kind of what our fans do, but I think they’re already smart to everything. So, this is really just going to be them getting to know us more as human beings,” CM Punk said.
Shared Moments Highlighting Punk and The Undertaker’s Relationship
Earlier in 2024, Punk appeared on WWE LFG, where he and The Undertaker shared several memorable moments together, including reacting to promos from other wrestlers such as Jasper Troy. Despite Punk’s playful critique of The Undertaker’s past media avoidance, the camaraderie and mutual respect between the two are evident in such appearances.
Both legends are now heavily involved in supporting WWE’s new talent, guiding the next generation of wrestlers while occasionally revisiting the legacy moments that defined their careers.
The Impact of Punk’s Comments on WWE Fandom
CM Punk’s remarks about The Undertaker being “lazy” in avoiding interviews has sparked a wave of reactions from fans and analysts alike. While some view the comment as typical Punk humor and a way to ignite conversation, others debate the evolution of wrestler personas in the modern era of direct fan engagement.
With social media blurring the lines between wrestlers’ private and public lives, Punk’s candid approach highlights the tension between preserving wrestling’s mystique and embracing transparency. His acknowledgment that the industry must adapt while still safeguarding its core magic speaks to a broader transitional moment for WWE.
As WWE continues to evolve its storytelling amidst changing audience expectations, figures like CM Punk and The Undertaker symbolize the bridge between wrestling’s past traditions and its future possibilities.
