The professional wrestling world was sent into a frenzy when CM Punk made his shocking return to WWE in November 2023, nearly a decade after his abrupt departure from the company. However, the 45-year-old’s homecoming was short-lived, as he suffered a triceps injury in his return match at the 2024 Royal Rumble, ruling him out of action for several months. But amidst the excitement and concern surrounding Punk’s injury, a former WWE star has come forward with some revealing insights into the Best in the World’s tumultuous past with The Shield.
Ryback, a prominent figure in WWE during the early 2010s, recently opened up on his Ryback TV show about CM Punk’s real-life issues with The Shield, comprising Jon Moxley (formerly Dean Ambrose), Roman Reigns, and Seth Rollins. According to Ryback, Punk’s downfall with The Shield began when he badmouthed Ryback behind the scenes, which the trio saw through and immediately disliked Punk for it.
For those who may not recall, The Shield made their main roster debut at Survivor Series in November 2012, attacking Ryback before eventually aligning with Punk. However, their partnership was short-lived, and Punk went on to feud with The Shield in late 2013 and early 2014, even defeating all three members in a handicap match at TLC 2013.
Ryback’s claims shed new light on the events that led to the deterioration of Punk’s relationships with The Shield. It raises questions about trust and loyalty in the cutthroat world of professional wrestling, where alliances can be fleeting and tensions can run high.
Furthermore, Ryback’s comments also spark concerns about Punk’s future in WWE. Given his history of walking out on the company in 2014, could backstage problems arise once again, prompting Punk to leave WWE for a second time? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain – CM Punk’s return has ignited a flurry of emotions and speculation among fans, and Ryback’s revelations have added another layer of complexity to an already intriguing narrative.
What do you make of Ryback’s comments? Do you think CM Punk’s injuries are a sign of his decline, or is he still capable of delivering in the ring? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
