Former WWE Star Matt Riddle Takes Massive Shots At CM Punk
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.
Former WWE superstar Matt Riddle did not hold back his feelings on CM Punk in a recent interview, while also recalling a tense backstage interaction with John Cena.
During his time in WWE, Riddle achieved significant success, starting in NXT where he won the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic and the NXT Tag Team Championship with Pete Dunne. After moving to the main roster, he captured the United States Championship.
Riddle's most popular run came as part of the tag team RK-Bro alongside Randy Orton. The duo was a merchandise and ratings success, becoming two-time RAW Tag Team Champions before Riddle was released from the company in September 2023.
While speaking with the Going Ringside podcast, Riddle was asked about potentially joining AEW and the subject of CM Punk's past drama with that company was brought up.
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"You know, I'm not a big fan of that guy either. That guy sucks at fighting and he's a bitch to work with in the back," Riddle stated.
When asked for a reason, Riddle elaborated on what he had heard from his former colleagues in WWE.
"Because he just belly aches and complains. This guy complains about getting multiple world title runs," he said (H/T to Fightful). "I've heard from my boys that still work there (WWE) that he is a headache, and this isn't a storyline, this is the facts."
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - APRIL 19: Seth Rollins (R) chokes CM Punk during their Triple Threat match with Roman Reigns during WrestleMania 41 at Allegiant Stadium on April 19, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - APRIL 19: Seth Rollins (R) chokes CM Punk during their Triple Threat match with Roman Reigns during WrestleMania 41 at Allegiant Stadium on April 19, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada.Riddle also shared a story about his first backstage encounter with John Cena, which he described as a "little tiff."
"I've worked with Cena. I like working with Cena. He was a great guy, a nice guy, professional," Riddle clarified before telling the story by.
"The first time I met, I accidentally said I thought he would be bigger. I don't think he likes being called small, which isn't what I said, but I thought he'd be bigger," he recalled. "He kind of gave me a verbal lashing back and forth. He gave me crap for being the king of bros, tried to get me to explain what that was, and no answer was good enough for John Cena."
CM Punk has yet to comment publicly on Riddle's comments.
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