Credit: WWE.com
The ongoing real-life tension between Matt Riddle and CM Punk has flared up again with Riddle making pointed comments during a recent podcast interview. Known for his outspoken nature, the former “King of Bros” went on the record to label Punk “fake,” a “creep,” and questioned Punk’s frequent presence around the NXT locker room, stirring conversation among WWE fans and insiders alike.
A Long-Standing Grudge Goes Public Again
This latest volley in the Riddle-Punk feud took place on the TMZ Inside The Ropes podcast, where Riddle was asked about CM Punk’s status in WWE and their backstage relationship. Riddle responded without hesitation:
“Did I lie? CM Punk’s a bitch. He can’t beat me if he wants to step up. He can meet me in a bare-knuckle boxing fight. He can meet me in an MMA cage, whatever, dude… I don’t care. I just think he’s fake, and I think he’s a creep. And that’s coming from me.”
Riddle further elaborated on his “creep” accusation by making a pointed reference to Punk’s involvement at the WWE Performance Center and his mentorship role, especially highlighting Punk’s interactions with younger talent like Cora Jade:
“I feel like he’s just lingering around the NXT locker room a little too much… that’s one way of putting it.”
This insinuation suggests Riddle views Punk’s presence backstage not as a positive mentorship but something more dubious, adding fuel to an already heated backstage rivalry.
Unfiltered Critique of Punk’s Abilities and Presence
These comments are not isolated but fit into a pattern of Riddle’s blunt assessments of Punk’s abilities and character. He has publicly questioned Punk’s fighting skills, challenged him to bare-knuckle and MMA fights, and openly called Punk difficult to work with in WWE’s locker room. Riddle acknowledged Punk’s drawing power but made sure to frame it within his own harsh critique:
“If he didn’t generate the amount of money and attention that he does, he wouldn’t be there. Kudos to him, the guy packs an arena, he sells tickets, he sells merchandise… I have no ill will towards the man, I just don’t think he’s good at fighting.”
Riddle didn’t shy from addressing Punk’s in-ring performance either, claiming Punk’s “better days” are behind him, pointing to botches and declining wrestling skills as evidence.
Behind the Scenes: What WWE Insiders Say
Sources close to WWE reveal that the tension between Riddle and Punk has an undercurrent related to locker room dynamics and backstage influence. A WWE insider shared:
“There’s a clear divide in how these two are viewed backstage. Punk is respected for his star power and ability to sell out shows, but many wrestlers find him hard to collaborate with. Riddle’s been vocal about this, and his comments reflect real frustrations some locker room members share. Punk’s frequent presence at the Performance Center mentoring younger talent is praised by some but raises eyebrows for others who see it as overstepping.” — WWE insider
This context highlights how the feud isn’t just personal but also tied to broader backstage politics in WWE, especially with talent development and locker room culture at NXT and the Performance Center.
Fans and Analysts React to Riddle’s Latest Shots
The wrestling community has been buzzing about Riddle’s latest remarks. Many fans appreciate Riddle’s candidness and willingness to speak out against a top star, while others feel the feud is becoming more about personal grudges than professional critique. Wrestling analysts note that such public spats have occasionally added heat and intrigue to WWE storylines but caution that real backstage resentment can be detrimental.
Sports commentator Jason Parker observed:
“Riddle’s comments keep the Punk-Riddle saga in the spotlight, but it’s a double-edged sword. On one hand, it fuels interest and discussion. On the other, it can create real friction behind the scenes that’s tough to navigate for everyone involved.”
This feud exemplifies how real-life conflicts between wrestling personalities can overlap with their on-screen personas, blurring lines in ways that shape company narratives.
What’s Next for Riddle and Punk?
With tensions still high, it remains to be seen if WWE will capitalize on this conflict for an on-screen storyline or if this will continue as a backstage saga. Riddle’s recent confrontational tone indicates he isn’t backing down anytime soon, while Punk has largely remained above direct public responses focusing instead on his WWE schedule and fan engagements.
According to sources close to WWE creative:
“The Riddle-Punk dynamic is something WWE keeps an eye on. If they see a chance to turn this backstage heat into an on-camera storyline, they might consider it. However, WWE also values locker room harmony, so they’ll tread carefully.” WWE creative insider
Given Riddle’s recent comments and Punk’s magnetic star power, wrestling fans should expect this saga to continue as one of WWE’s most talked-about backstage feuds.