CM Punk recently revealed insights into the creative process behind his rap diss of John Cena, explaining who assisted him and the inspiration behind it. The rap took place ahead of WWE Night of Champions and showcased Punk’s effort to channel Cena’s style while delivering a fresh promo.
Leading up to WWE Night of Champions, WWE Champion John Cena and challenger CM Punk engaged in a remarkable promo exchange. On the June 20th episode of WWE SmackDown, Cena responded to Punk’s legendary 2011 Pipebomb promo with his own speech while Punk lay on a broken table in the ring. CM Punk then countered Cena’s promo with a rap titled Master of Punkanomics during the final SmackDown before their match. Despite rapping being outside Punk’s usual realm, the promo was highly praised by fans for its creativity and delivery.
How CM Punk Crafted His WWE Rap Diss with Trusted Allies
In an interview with Matt Aguilar of ComicBook Nation, Punk shared that he relied heavily on friends to develop the rap. Punk described the process as involving extensive research into Cena’s speech patterns and cadence. Key help came from Jensen Karp, a longtime friend and former WWE writer who Punk considers a “battle rap master.”
“It was a lot of research. I watched a lot of John’s delivery. His cadence and how he talks. A good friend of mine by the name of Jensen Karp, who is, to me, a battle rap master. That is what he does. It’s his lane. I definitely leaned on him. ‘This is what we’re doing.’ I could do this myself, but it was really his wheelhouse, so I kind of handed the ball to him. He helped me greatly, along with another friend of ours, Rone.”
—CM Punk, WWE Superstar
Jensen Karp’s expertise in rap and previous experience as a WWE writer proved invaluable during the crafting of the promo. Another collaborator, Rone, also contributed to the process, enhancing Punk’s ability to create a memorable moment.
Choosing a New Direction Instead of Repeating the Pipebomb
Punk also explained why he declined to recreate his iconic 2011 Pipebomb promo. For years, many have anticipated a follow-up to that groundbreaking moment, but Punk resisted the idea of revisiting the same concept.
“The genesis of the idea was, everybody is expecting this pipebomb 2 from me. I’m not into delivering sequels to stuff that don’t need sequels. For 14 years, people have been chasing this moment and trying to replicate it, duplicate it, talk like me, sit like me. I’m not so much into doing the same thing. I couldn’t have even followed myself. How is that for a supremely egotistical comment?”
—CM Punk, WWE Superstar
Instead, Punk chose to take a different creative path by surprising fans and critics alike. He described the approach as a way to avoid predictability:
“Everyone is expecting me to zig, so I zag.”
This shift allowed him to have fun and create something unique during a week that was especially emotional, as it marked Punk’s last opportunity to share the ring with Cena.
Going Beyond Comfort Zones to Deliver a Memorable Performance
Reflecting on the Basic Punkanomics rap, Punk emphasized his desire to challenge himself and deliver a moment that would stand out in WWE history. Stepping outside his usual comfort zone proved essential to the promo’s success.
“I wanted to make it special and memorable. I find that when I challenge myself and put myself outside my comfort zone, that’s when the best stuff happens. People are going to remember that, whether it’s because of the delivery, the content, the way I was dressed, the atmosphere. I think it was a hell of a moment.”
—CM Punk, WWE Superstar
This determination to innovate contributed to a promo that resonated with fans, balancing humor and intensity while highlighting Punk’s wrestling persona in a novel way.
Punk’s Future: Challenging for Gold at WWE SummerSlam
Looking ahead, CM Punk is set to face Gunther for the World Heavyweight Title at WWE SummerSlam on August 2 and 3. Punk earned this opportunity after winning a five-man Gauntlet Match, and hopes to capture the championship this time, unlike his loss to Cena at Night of Champions. This upcoming match marks another significant chapter in Punk’s ongoing WWE journey.
Mental Health Break, TV Tapings, and WWE Star Speculations
In related WWE news, one major star is currently on hiatus due to mental exhaustion. Meanwhile, John Cena is booked for what is expected to be his final appearance in a prominent American city, adding to the anticipation surrounding his retirement. Other notable developments include a suggestion from an AEW star urging Bobby Lashley to join AEW, and Tony Khan’s recent praise of an ex-World Champion as AEW’s version of Ric Flair. Additionally, speculation arises about who will be John Cena’s final WWE opponent, with fans debating whether it will revisit classic rivalries or highlight emerging stars.
Rising Stakes at WWE SummerSlam and Beyond
The looming SummerSlam event also features tension surrounding Gunther’s championship reign, as CM Punk represents his biggest challenge yet. A surprising voice has expressed that Gunther must leave SummerSlam stronger than before. Meanwhile, Damian Priest is already setting his sights on future goals despite an ongoing rivalry with Aleister Black. These storylines add further excitement to WWE’s next major event and hint at shifting dynamics within the company.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Did CM Punk apologize?
A. CM Punk said sorry to fans in Saudi Arabia for a tweet he posted before WWE Night of Champions. When he appeared at the kickoff show, the crowd booed him. During the event, a fan yelled at Punk, and he stopped to reply. He took that chance to talk about his earlier tweet concerning The Miz.
Q. Does CM Punk support LGBTQ?
A. Punk has been a strong advocate for transgender rights and has shown his support both in and out of the wrestling arena. Even during his short time at AEW in 2023, Punk, who calls himself the “Voice of the Voiceless,” spoke up for LGBTQ+ communities.
Q. Was CM Punk actually hurt?
A. While Punk seemed injured, his fall was planned. On the other hand, McIntyre got an actual injury that needed 16 stitches. Fans were drawn in by the match’s intensity and are excited for what’s next for both wrestlers.
Q. Why doesn’t CM Punk talk to his brother?
A. CM Punk’s brother, Mike Broox, discusses how he took money from Lunatic Wrestling Federation, causing their relationship to fall apart more than twenty years ago.
