CM Punk Went Off-Script On WWE RAW Amid Real Backstage Frustration

CM Punk came out this past Monday on Raw to deliver another one of his signature “pipebomb” promos.

The Second City Saint opened the show and first went on an all-out verbal assault on Roman Reigns, the #1 contender for Punk’s World Heavyweight Title, and his opponent at WrestleMania 42.

In doing so, he referenced Reigns’ cousin, The Rock, and insulted him by saying that he “was” a Hollywood star. He also hinted at Vince McMahon by taking a jab at the former WWE CEO without mentioning his name, saying that Reigns was forced to eat dog food by a “weird old man.”

Punk then surprisingly shifted to another issue entirely: Pat McAfee’s recent involvement in the ‘Mania feud between Randy Orton and Cody Rhodes for the WWE Championship when he was revealed to be Orton’s mystery caller/helper on SmackDown this past Friday.

Punk went after McAfee, calling him MAGA-fee and blasting the former NFL star and WWE commentator for bashing the current WWE product during his promo on SmackDown. The Best In The World then went on to talk about how WrestleMania tickets are pricing out families and demanded that the prices be cut.

It has been reported that most of CM Punk’s latest promo was unscripted, as WWE creative only had an outline of what was going to be said.

CM Punk’s angry promo is a clear indicator of the unrest and frustration backstage that he seems to be acting as the voice for. Sam Roberts breaks it down on Raw Recap.

CM Punk’s Latest Pipebomb Promo Echoing Backstage Sentiments

WrestleMania 42 tickets have been priced significantly higher this year, as compared to previous years, and as a result, a significant number of seats still remain unsold. Several talents have voiced their concerns about the situation, pointing towards the high costs.

It was also reported several weeks ago that performers were only going to get two complimentary tickets to the show, and any others would have to be bought out of pocket, which hasn’t sat well with them.

Now, with CM Punk echoing all of these sentiments through his controversial pipebomb promo, WWE had to hold its release on YouTube for longer than usual. The hurdle could be getting clearance for the clip due to all of the strong statements made by Punk.

Talent is also reportedly frustrated at the inclusion of Pat McAfee in the WWE Championship storyline, with many feeling that it was unnecessary. The WWE creative team didn’t call for it, however, as it was TKO’s CEO, Ari Emanuel, who made the decision as Pat McAfee’s agent to try and boost ticket sales for WrestleMania 42.

Also read: Dustin Rhodes Gets Involved In Pat McAfee’s Feud With Cody Rhodes