Matt Riddle isnt done talking about CM Punk not by a long shot.
In a new TMZ Sports video posted on August 14, 2025, the former WWE star was asked if his previous claim that Punk is difficult to work with still holds true. This comes after months of public digs, a now-deleted viral tweet, and even comments tying Punk to AEWs creative struggles.
Riddle, whos clashed with Punk in both public interviews and on social media, didnt back down when the subject came up. He explained that his opinion isnt just based on his own perspective, but also on feedback from people still working alongside Punk in WWE.
While Riddle acknowledged Punks commercial value, he made it clear he doesnt believe Punk is performing anywhere near his peak level.
Riddle then broadened the conversation, comparing Punks reaction to criticism with the way other big names in wrestling like Goldberg and Roman Reigns have handled it. He suggested that certain wrestlers become defensive when uncomfortable truths are pointed out about their abilities, especially when those comments touch on their in-ring execution or fighting credentials.
These remarks are just the latest chapter in a feud thats been brewing for months. On June 27, 2025, mere hours after CM Punk was booed off stage during the WWE Night of Champions kickoff show in Saudi Arabia, Riddle went on Twitter and unloaded a profanity-filled rant aimed at Punk, his fans, and his skill set. In that post which was quickly deleted but widely screenshotted Riddle blasted fans for supporting Punk despite a viral incident where Punk was seen pushing away a young fan who asked for a photo.
He didnt stop there. In follow-up comments earlier this summer, Riddle blamed Punk for derailing AEWs momentum during his stint there, claiming his backstage behavior cost fans, money, and everything else before adding: That guy sucks at fighting and hes a b** to work with in the back.*
Punk, for his part, has tried to smooth over at least some of his controversies, recently apologizing during the Night of Champions kickoff show for his infamous 2020 blood covered d*** tweet aimed at The Miz, saying it wasnt meant as an insult to Saudi Arabia and issuing a direct apology to a fan named Muhammad. But that apology was overshadowed when he was booed by the live crowd just hours later, with criticism continuing over his demeanor and recent incidents.
For Riddle, the TMZ Sports interview was a chance to double down while also framing his criticism in a way that acknowledged Punks drawing power. Still, between the pointed remarks about Punks fighting ability, his claim that better days are behind him, and the continued references to botches, its clear this war of words is far from over. Matt Riddle has never been one to hold back his opinions, and with his latest comments, the tension between him and CM Punk remains very much alive.
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Do you think Matt Riddles latest shots at CM Punk are justified, or is this feud just about personal grudges at this point? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.
