As WWE approaches the Road to WrestleMania, CM Punk’s recent defense of the company has drawn criticism from industry veteran Vince Russo. Russo questioned Punk’s stance during a discussion on his podcast, highlighting how online fans express frustration over WWE’s handling of its weekly shows and live events.
CM Punk, also known as The Second City Saint, addressed the unrealistic expectations set by fans influenced by rumors and speculation. However, Russo pushed back, referencing a recent incident where WWE hyped a surprise involving Chris Jericho, only for the tease to turn out misleading.
Russo emphasized WWE’s tendency to promote returns or surprises that ultimately fail to deliver, creating disappointment among viewers. He pointed specifically to Adam Pearce’s promotion of the first RAW episode in 2026, which hinted at Jericho’s involvement, although reports later clarified Jericho would not appear.
“Does CM Punk understand that Adam Pearce teased the walls coming down? They tease Chris Jericho. The company teased Chris Jericho, knowing d*mn well Jericho wasn’t going to be there on the show. What kind of feedback do you expect?” Russo said.
CM Punk Prepares to Defend World Heavyweight Title on Upcoming RAW
CM Punk began 2026 as WWE’s World Heavyweight Champion following his return to the promotion, fulfilling long-held ambitions by capturing and defending championship gold. He recently fended off Bron Breakker, known as The Vision, demonstrating his dominance in the title scene.
In the latest episode of WWE RAW, Punk’s title reign faced a fresh challenge when Finn Balor, the company’s inaugural Universal Champion, interrupted his segment. After a tense confrontation, Punk accepted Balor’s challenge to a one-on-one match, scheduled for next week’s RAW event in Belfast.
The upcoming bout marks another high-profile defense for Punk as he continues to solidify his position within WWE’s landscape during a period of scrutiny and heightened fan anticipation.
The Effect of WWE’s Promotional Tactics on Audience Perception
Vince Russo’s critique underscores broader concerns about WWE’s promotional approach and its impact on fan trust. The repeated use of misleading teases and failed surprises has fueled frustration among the WWE audience, highlighting a disconnect between the company’s messaging and its execution.
With CM Punk positioned as both a top champion and vocal defender of WWE, this tension between talent support and fan reaction raises questions about the company’s strategy moving forward. How WWE manages its storytelling and promotional promises in the lead-up to WrestleMania may affect its credibility and viewer engagement in a crucial part of the wrestling calendar.
