A recent statement from former United States Champion Matt Riddle has shed light on ongoing backstage tensions involving CM Punk in <a href="https://cynicaltimes.org/category/wrestling-news/wwe/”>WWE. Despite CM Punk’s return in 2023 and his significant drawing power for the company, some members of the WWE roster still describe him as challenging to work with. Riddle revealed that many current WWE stars maintain this viewpoint, suggesting that Punk’s value to the company hinges largely on the revenue and audience attention he generates.
Throughout his wrestling career, CM Punk has been involved in various controversies, with claims surfacing repeatedly that he is not easy to collaborate with behind the scenes. However, since his comeback, numerous colleagues, including WWE executive Triple H, have publicly praised his backstage behavior, stating it has improved considerably. Still, Riddle’s comments indicate that not every wrestler shares this positive perception.
Matt Riddle Discusses CM Punk’s Impact and Work Attitude
In a recent interview with TMZ Sports, Matt Riddle commented on how some friends within the current WWE locker room still hold a critical view of CM Punk’s backstage demeanor. He emphasized Punk’s importance to WWE, especially under the new ownership arm, TKO Group Holdings, stating that Punk’s position in the company is sustained primarily by his commercial success rather than his working relationships.
“I have good friends on the roster that still say he’s a b*tch to work with. If he didn’t generate the amount of money and attention that he does, he wouldn’t be there. And kudos to him. Kudos to him. The guy packs an arena. He sells tickets. He sells merchandise. And when you’re looking at WWE, especially with TKO, I don’t think they care about anything else. They go, ‘What do you want to get paid? You bring on this much value. Okay, good,'” he said. —Matt Riddle, Former United States Champion
Riddle added that while he holds no personal grudge against Punk, he questioned Punk’s current wrestling abilities, suggesting that the peak of his in-ring performance is behind him.
“And right now, hats off to him. He’s killing it. He’s wrestling. He’s staying active. He’s staying busy, and his fans seem to love it. So, I have no ill will towards the man. I just don’t think he’s, well, good at fighting. I think his better days of wrestling are way behind him,” he added. —Matt Riddle, Former United States Champion
Vince Russo Critiques CM Punk’s Recent Run in WWE
Adding to the scrutiny, former WWE writer Vince Russo expressed strong disapproval of CM Punk’s current performances. On Sportskeeda’s The Wrestling Outlaws podcast, Russo called Punk “the most overrated wrestler” he has ever witnessed and criticized his in-ring work. Despite acknowledging Punk’s strong promo skills, Russo argued that many wrestlers can deliver similar promos and challenged the notion that Punk remains a great worker.
“Just seeing this run and what he’s done on this run, to me, this guy may be the most overrated wrestler I think I’ve ever seen. I’ve watched this whole run, and…I’m being serious, I don’t know what I’m seeing that’s special about that guy. He can cut a good promo. Ok? A lot of people can cut good promos. I don’t think he’s a great worker, like I said, he’s a lot older now, he’s gone through a lot of injuries, I understand that. I’m just basing that on the guy in the shows I see every week.” —Vince Russo, Former WWE Writer
Implications for CM Punk’s Upcoming Matches and WWE’s Creative Direction
CM Punk is slated to compete for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship in a high-profile match at Clash in Paris against Seth Rollins, Jey Uso, and LA Knight. With Triple H leading WWE’s creative team, fans and critics alike are watching closely to see how Punk’s storyline unfolds and whether he can demonstrate wrestling prowess equal to his drawing power.
The ongoing backstage commentary from wrestlers like Matt Riddle and industry figures such as Vince Russo continues to spark debate about Punk’s value beyond his commercial success. Their perspectives highlight the complex balance WWE must maintain between harnessing star appeal and fostering a collaborative working environment.
