Rumors about CM Punk WWE storyline rumors have intensified following recent comments from Matt Riddle, who reportedly hopes to reignite his career in the wrestling giant by targeting The Second City Saint. The scenario, dissected by wrestling veterans, has stirred frustration and tension, casting a spotlight on backstage friction and the possibility of a controversial rivalry.
Matt Riddle’s Attempts to Rekindle WWE Feud with CM Punk
CM Punk remains one of WWE’s standout personalities, while Matt Riddle, a former talent released in 2023 due to a series of controversies, continues to participate in independent wrestling circuits. Riddle, aiming to draw attention and perhaps secure a WWE return, recently criticized Punk, characterizing him as difficult to work with. These comments quickly became a hot topic among wrestling insiders and fans alike, fueling speculation about Riddle’s true intentions and the future of both stars within the industry.
The friction escalated when Dutch Mantell, a seasoned manager, weighed in during an appearance on The Wrestling Time Machine, a show hosted by Mac Davis. Mantell suggested that Riddle’s public criticisms could be a deliberate tactic to initiate a storyline with Punk and potentially pave his way back into WWE.
“He is building heat up from the beginning. I am sure he would like to return to WWE again. And if those writers read that, and they get, you read it and all of a sudden you start thinking about it. You can’t help it. How would this go? What do you think?” —Dutch Mantell, Veteran Manager
Industry Veterans Question the Credibility of Riddle’s Accusations
Not all within the wrestling world are convinced by Matt Riddle’s rebuke of CM Punk. Bill Apter, a respected journalist who has long observed the backstage environment in WWE, challenged Riddle’s perspective. Speaking on the same episode of The Wrestling Time Machine, Apter described a very different CM Punk, one well-liked and positive behind the scenes, and cast doubt on the validity of Riddle’s claims.

“My feeling is I have been backstage where CM Punk is, everybody is hugging him and high-fiving him. It’s not the same CM Punk that was so pissed off and angry such a long time ago. It’s a different guy. Matt and he probably had a lot of problems with each other, and if Matt wants to say that, that’s his opinion but I don’t share it.” —Bill Apter, Veteran Journalist
These differing accounts only add to the turmoil, as Matt Riddle’s credibility is scrutinized and CM Punk’s current persona is defended, intensifying the intrigue around any possibility of a future rivalry storyline within WWE.
What the Future Holds for the WWE Stars
Questions remain about whether Matt Riddle’s callouts will prompt WWE writers to consider his return by scripting a heated feud with CM Punk. The potential for explosive storylines looms, hinging on the company’s willingness to take a chance on Riddle again, and on CM Punk’s openness to engage in such a contentious program.
For now, fans and insiders alike watch closely as the situation develops. With emotions running high and reputation at stake, the direction WWE chooses could redefine both men’s paths in the wrestling world and keep CM Punk WWE storyline rumors in the spotlight for weeks to come.