CM Punk Faces Backlash Over Pushing Away Child In Saudi Arabia
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
CM Punk is facing criticism online only hours after landing in Saudi Arabia for WWE Night of Champions. A video has circulated showing him in a tense moment with a young fan.
While meeting with some fans and celebrities in Riyadh, another clip showed a different interaction. In that video, Punk is seen walking with Randy Orton and security personnel.
The Viral Incident With CM Punk
A small child approached CM Punk, apparently to take a selfie. In the clip, Punk is seen pushing the child away.
Security also stepped in to ensure the child could not get closer to the wrestlers. This interaction has led to backlash on social media.
Some users have criticized Punk for the action. Others have turned the moment into a meme, comparing it to other famous comedic instances of adults pushing children.
CM Punk proving he's still a gigantic asshole
Pushing a little kid out of the way as a babyface is so nasty pic.twitter.com/KJkzG51F3j — Andrew (@bigtimeEST) June 26, 2025
that's so nasty of him to do — LivsHart💗 (@oblivionscore) June 26, 2025
Something very satisfying about a miserable looking CM Punk arriving in Saudi Arabia and the first thing he does is push a child away — Wrestling_Mark (@WrestlingMark16) June 26, 2025
Heard the kid said, "Real Glass. Cry me a river." — Joe Tonaus (@Itsa_MeJoeyT) June 26, 2025
The comments 👇 defending his behaviour is just so ridiculous and apparently i'm the bad guy or trying to portray him as a bad guy 🤦🏻♂️ https://t.co/mTFYLs120b — AEWBlog (@AEW_Blog) June 26, 2025
More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation
Hypocrisy Accusations
This incident comes as Punk is already facing accusations of hypocrisy for competing in Saudi Arabia. He is scheduled to challenge John Cena for the Undisputed WWE Championship at Night of Champions.
The criticism stems from Punk's past comments about the country. In a 2020 social media post directed at The Miz, Punk made a vulgar comment referencing "blood money" in Saudi Arabia.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JANUARY 27: CM Punk speaks during WWE Monday Night RAW at State Farm Arena on January 27, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JANUARY 27: CM Punk speaks during WWE Monday Night RAW at State Farm Arena on January 27, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia.
WWE/Getty Images
That post has since been deleted. Reports have indicated that Punk had the option to turn down performing at the event but did not voice any objections. Punk apologized to Saudi Arabia fans today at the Night of Champions Kickoff Event.
Un pibe random le pide a gritos a CM Punk que se disculpe por su tuit de 2019. "Era un tuit de meme a The Miz. Me disculpo a The Miz. ¿Te llamas Mohamed? Me disculpo de forma sincera".
Qué ha sido esto jdsjdsjdsjfdsjfd 😭😭😭 #WWENOC pic.twitter.com/5ibm70ZdVY — LuigiWrestling (@LuigiWrestling) June 27, 2025
"This guy wants me to apologize for a mean tweet I wrote six years ago. Hey, listen, legitimately had nothing to do with Saudi Arabia," Punk responded. "I woke up and I was crabby and I wrote a mean tweet to The Miz. And I apologized to The Miz. And sir, what's your name? Mohammed? Mohammed, I sincerely apologize to you. And I love Saudi Arabia."
"I am not perfect by any means," Punk said at today's kickoff event. "Sometimes as human beings, we screw up. The beautiful thing is, everything is a lesson learned. And now here I am and you have invited me to your country and I am grateful to be here. Thank you very much."
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