Matt Riddle Reignites Controversy over CM Punk’s Backstage Behavior Since Survivor Series 2023 Return

Matt Riddle refuses to believe that CM Punk's attitude has gotten any better since returning to WWE in 2023 after 10 years.

Matt Riddle Reignites Controversy over CM Punk’s Backstage Behavior Since Survivor Series 2023 Return

CM Punk and Matt Riddle (via WWE)

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From a record-setting 434-day WWE Championship reign to becoming the ultimate rebel against authority, CM Punk was once the ‘voice of the voiceless’ in pro wrestling. Then came nearly a decade in exile, where his name became just as famous for backstage drama as for his in-ring work. His grudges with Triple H, along with clashes against Seth Rollins and Kenny Omega, only added to his complex legacy.

Since making his shocking return at Survivor Series 2023, many believe Punk has turned a corner. But Matt Riddle isn’t buying it. The former United States Champion has made it clear he still has no love lost for Punk, despite never actually crossing paths with him inside the company. Speaking with TMZ Sports, Riddle didn’t hold back on his thoughts about Punk.

I have good friends on the roster that still say he’s a b**ch to work with. 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. When you’re looking at WWE, especially with TKO, I don’t think they care about anything else. They go, ‘What do you want to get paid? You bring this much value, okay, good.

Matt Riddle via TMZ

For the unversed, Riddle parted ways with WWE in September 2023 following issues with unprofessional conduct. Since then, he has been active on the independent scene. While his stints with NJPW and TNA fizzled out, the 39-year-old has been thriving in MLW, where he currently represents the promotion as its heavyweight champion.

Despite his criticism, Riddle clarified that his issue with Punk isn’t personal. In fact, he gave credit to Punk’s commitment to the craft.

Right now, hats off to him, he’s killing it. He’s wrestling, he’s staying active, he’s staying busy. His fans seem to love him. So, I have no ill will towards the man. I just don’t think he’s, well, good at fighting. I think his better days of wrestling are way behind him….I’m not getting that much better, faster, or stronger, and I can tell you that he’s definitely not either, especially with all the botches.

Matt Riddle via TMZ

Riddle isn’t the only former star to take aim at Punk. Maven Huffman, who was the inaugural Tough Enough winner, recently called out ‘The Best in the World’ as well, saying Punk hasn’t changed since leaving WWE in 2014, labeling his current image as nothing more than a corporate makeover.

Punk, meanwhile, remains at the center of WWE’s biggest storylines. He recently defeated Gunther in a grueling match to win the World Heavyweight Championship at SummerSlam, only to lose it five minutes later when Seth Rollins cashed in his Money in the Bank contract after faking an injury. Punk is now scheduled to get another shot at the title in a fatal four-way against Rollins, Jey Uso, and LA Knight at Clash in Paris.

Matt Riddle weighs in on Brock Lesnar shaking things up at Royal Rumble 2022

Brock Lesnar’s 2022 Royal Rumble victory remains one of the most controversial moments in recent WWE history. Many fans felt the main event picture became messy with ‘The Beast’ and Roman Reigns, who eventually clashed for the undisputed titles at WrestleMania 38. Moreover, this was the duo’s third meeting at the biggest show of the year in seven years. 

Matt Riddle and Brock Lesnar
Matt Riddle and Brock Lesnar (via WWE)

The booking also left Bobby Lashley in a strange position. Despite beating Lesnar for the WWE title earlier that night, Lashley would go on to lose the championship at Elimination Chamber to none other than Lesnar himself. In the same interview with TMZ, Matt Riddle revealed how that decision played out backstage.

They went a different route [from me winning], I believe Brock won. I’ll be honest, I remember being in the locker room because there’s a bunch of people, Shane McMahon, a bunch of people were there. We had different ideas and plans, and dude, [Brock] came in and was like, ‘I just did business for Bobby Lashley, you guys are all going to do business for me.’ Then, Shane McMahon mentioned and asked if he could pick him up for a spot, and Brock just looked at him like, no.

Matt Riddle via TMZ

Lesnar’s booking history has often drawn criticism from fans. His 2019 Money in the Bank victory was widely panned, as he wasn’t even advertised for the match until the very end. That night, he screwed over Mustafa Ali before cashing in on Rollins for the Universal Championship. His refusal to face Bray Wyatt at WrestleMania 39 also remains a much-discussed decision.

Now, after a two-year hiatus, the former 10-time title holder is back. Lesnar made a shocking return at SummerSlam, attacking John Cena to close out the show. Rumors suggest the two could collide at a PLE on September 20, directly opposite AEW’s All Out in a major counter-programming move by WWE. How Lesnar’s final run unfolds remains to be seen, especially with the shadow of the Janel Grant lawsuit controversy still looming.

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