Former WWE Champion Blasts CM Punk During Scathing Rant
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
Former WWE star Matt Riddle has taken another dig at CM Punk, and his latest comments criticize the Raw star's current in-ring ability. The former United States Champion has been outspoken about his feelings towards Punk since leaving WWE.
Riddle, who was released in September 2023 due to unprofessional conduct, reaffirmed his stance on a new podcast. He doubled down on his claim that his former colleagues find the "Best in the World" difficult to work with.
Matt Riddle: "Not Good At Fighting"
Speaking on TMZ's Inside The Ring Podcast, Matt Riddle criticized CM Punk's wrestling abilities at the age of 46. He also claimed that he has heard from friends still on the WWE roster that Punk remains a "bitch to work with."
"I have good friends on the roster that still say he's a bitch to work with," Riddle said.
He did, however, acknowledge Punk's value to the company. "If he didn't generate the amount of money and attention that he does, he wouldn't be there," he admitted. "Kudos to him, the guy packs an arena, he sells tickets, he sells merchandise."
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - APRIL 19: CM Punk (L) and Paul Heyman look on during Punk's Triple Threat match against Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins during WrestleMania 41 at Allegiant Stadium on April 19, 2025...
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - APRIL 19: CM Punk (L) and Paul Heyman look on during Punk's Triple Threat match against Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins during WrestleMania 41 at Allegiant Stadium on April 19, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. More
Despite acknowledging the recent praise for Punk's matches, including his acclaimed bout with GUNTHER at SummerSlam, Riddle is not impressed. "I just don't think he's, well, good at fighting," he stated. "I think his better days of wrestling are way behind him."
WWE History of Animosity
This is not the first time Matt Riddle has taken a shot at CM Punk. The one-sided beef dates back years, with Riddle frequently calling out Punk for a potential MMA or wrestling match, which Punk has consistently ignored. When Punk made his shocking return to WWE in November 2023, Riddle took to social media to mock his 0-2 UFC record.
More news: WWE Superstar Announces Retirement Match
A Controversial WWE Career
Riddle's critique of another star's professionalism is ironic given the circumstances of his own WWE career. He was one of the most popular stars on the roster during his tag team run with Randy Orton as RK-Bro. However, his tenure was marked by multiple wellness policy violations and a series of public, unprofessional incidents.
The final straw was a controversial incident at JFK Airport in 2023, which led to his release from the company. While he was a talented performer, his own actions ultimately cost him his spot as a top star in WWE.
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