Former WWE talent Matt Riddle recently labeled CM Punk a “creep” amid ongoing discussions about the CM Punk WWE controversy and support. Punk, who had challenged for the World Heavyweight Championship at the Clash in Paris event this past Sunday, was unsuccessful after Becky Lynch interfered in the match.
Matt Riddle Criticizes CM Punk’s Presence in WWE
On TMZ‘s Inside the Ring podcast, Matt Riddle voiced strong criticism of CM Punk, accusing him of lingering excessively around the NXT locker room after Punk’s WWE return. Riddle described Punk’s interactions in a negative light, suggesting an uncomfortable dynamic with younger talent.
“I think he’s a creep. I feel like he’s just lingering around the NXT locker room a little too much. He has like Cora Jade as his daughter and everything. And everybody he kind of oversees,” Riddle said.
Riddle’s commentary carries weight as he himself was released from WWE in 2023 following an unusual incident at JFK Airport in New York. Despite his exit, he held the United States Championship and gained popularity through the RK–Bro tag team alongside Randy Orton during his WWE tenure.
Cora Jade Shares Positive Perspective on CM Punk
Contrasting Riddle’s remarks, Cora Jade—now wrestling as Elayna Black—expressed gratitude toward CM Punk for his guidance after her WWE release in May 2025. During an appearance on the same podcast, Jade revealed a pivotal conversation with Punk that encouraged her to prioritize her own well-being over professional obligations.
“I broke down one day and we had a conversation, me and him on the phone, because I was like, he ‘Hey, I need your advice,’ because he’s been through it all. He left WWE for 10 years, hated WWE, said crazy things, and nobody ever thought he was coming back[…] So many things that he said to me in that conversation really helped me. He told me, like, I don’t owe anybody anything, and I don’t have to stick in something that’s no longer serving me, and that really stuck with me,” she mentioned.
Ongoing Rivalries Fuel Drama on WWE Programming
Recently, tensions escalated on WWE programming when Becky Lynch slapped CM Punk multiple times during Monday night’s RAW episode. Punk responded by warning Lynch, known as “The Man,” that she would regret her actions. This interaction adds new layers to the ongoing storyline, and fans are eager to see how WWE will develop the narrative between these prominent figures in the coming weeks.
The CM Punk WWE controversy and support illustrate a divided response among wrestlers and fans alike, reflecting Punk’s complex position within the wrestling world. As the storyline unfolds and personal conflicts intersect with in-ring competition, the wrestling community remains attentive to future developments involving Punk, Lynch, and others connected to this evolving saga.
