CM Punk Fires Back at Critics, Defends Jey Uso Amid Online Backlash

CM Punk shuts down critics, standing firmly behind Jey Uso and praising his impact, star power, and undeniable connection with WWE fans.

CM Punk Fires Back at Critics, Defends Jey Uso Amid Online Backlash

CM Punk and Jey Uso (via WWE)

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It is no secret that WWE fans are among the most vocal when it comes to expressing their opinions on the company’s biggest stars. In recent months, that spotlight has been firmly fixed on Jey Uso and his sustained main-event push, which began in January 2025 when he won the Royal Rumble by last eliminating John Cena.

Since that breakthrough moment, the Samoan standout has enjoyed a remarkable run. He captured the World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania 41 by defeating Gunther and has since been featured in marquee programs with top names such as Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns. 

Despite his success, a portion of the fanbase has grown critical of Uso’s presentation, arguing that his popular theatrics don’t always translate once the bell rings. Amid that criticism, CM Punk came to Uso’s defense during a recent appearance on Busted Open Radio, pushing back against the online chatter. 

Since breaking away from The Bloodline and establishing himself as a singles star, Uso has frequently been targeted by critics who claim he isn’t strong enough in the ring. Even after a stellar run in the last 12 months, some fans continued to label him a one-note act, largely due to his widely popular entrance.

Speaking candidly, Punk praised Uso and emphasized the value he brings to WWE as a top-level star.

Jey Uso is f***ing phenomenal. He is 100%. We just live these lives that are so public that everybody wants to point fingers and laugh if we slip on a banana peel or make a mistake.

CM Punk via Busted Open Radio

Punk also highlighted Uso’s undeniable connection with fans, pointing out that he, Uso, and John Cena were consistently competing for the top spot in merchandise sales throughout 2025. He noted that mistakes are often magnified in WWE because everything happens in such a public setting.

I’m battling with John Cena and Jey Uso for who sells more t-shirts on any given night. Everybody’s going crazy for his music. They’re yeeting. They want him to run it back. This dude can go on TV for 10 minutes and just yeet, but then if you went on the internet, he’s the worst wrestler alive.

CM Punk via Busted Open Radio

Both Punk and Uso are central figures on RAW in the Netflix era. Moreover, Uso recently reunited with his brother Jimmy to reform The Usos, and the duo captured the World Tag Team Championships from AJ Styles and Dragon Lee on the final RAW of 2025, becoming nine-time tag team champions in the process.

As for Punk, he continues his reign at the top of the card. After defeating Uso to win the World Heavyweight title last year, Punk spent much of 2025 feuding with The Vision. He kicked off 2026 in dominant fashion, successfully defending the strap against Bron Breakker in a hard-fought main event on the first red brand episode of the new year. 

CM Punk expresses desire to share the silver screen with John Cena

While CM Punk has primarily built his legacy inside the wrestling ring, the reigning World Heavyweight kingpin has also steadily expanded his footprint in Hollywood. Punk has already appeared on screen alongside his former rival–turned–friend John Cena, who has since become one of WWE’s most successful crossover stars. 

CM Punk and John Cena
CM Punk and John Cena (via WWE)

Even as he remains active at the top of WWE, ‘The Second City Saint’ continues to pursue creative opportunities outside the ring. During a recent interview on My Mom’s Basement, Punk revealed that the idea of starring in a movie with Cena has already been discussed behind the scenes. 

He acknowledged, however, that scheduling remains the biggest obstacle, noting that the 17-time world champion is likely juggling an extremely busy slate. Still, Punk sounded optimistic about a future collaboration. He also shared his desire to work with another former WWE star turned Hollywood fixture, Dave Bautista.

I’ve had a couple meetings, and that topic has come up. I can only imagine what John’s slate looks like; it’s probably super, super busy. I’d imagine some time in the future we’ll be working together. I’ve got like bucket list names I wanna work with, and selfishly a lot of them are my friends; Dave (Bautista) and John are probably like the top two.

CM Punk via My Mom’s Basement

Cena has previously expressed interest in working with Punk as well. In a 2025 interview with Collider, Cena said he would like to star in an action-comedy alongside Punk, suggesting mutual interest from both sides. For the unversed, Punk has continued to build his acting resume in recent years. 

He recently landed his biggest film role to date in Zootopia 2, voicing one of the Zebros alongside fellow star Roman Reigns. His earlier film credits include Rabid and Jakob’s Wife, and he starred in Night Patrol, which premiered at Fantastic Fest in September 2025 and is scheduled for release on January 16, 2026. Punk has also appeared in the wrestling drama series Heels.

Cena, meanwhile, has fully established himself as a major Hollywood star. After early roles in WWE-produced films such as The Marine and 12 Rounds, he began landing larger opportunities in the 2010s. 

His breakthrough came in 2015 with roles in Trainwreck and Sisters, paving the way for an impressive run that includes Blockers, Bumblebee, F9, The Suicide Squad, Barbie, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, and Argylle.

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