CM Punk Praised By WWE Hall Of Famer Who Had Been Critical In The Past
A wrestling legend who has harshly criticized CM Punk in the past is changing his tune.
CM Punk has been away from WWE TV since the Raw after WrestleMania 42, one night after Punk lost the World Heavyweight Title to Roman Reigns in an incredible match.
While there have been a lot of different rumors about why CM Punk is away from WWE, it appears as if it’s just a case of WWE giving him some time off since he’s worked a busy schedule the last few years.
It tends to happen every year post-WrestleMania with veteran wrestlers like Punk, along with former World Champions such as Drew McIntyre and Randy Orton.
During his time away from the ring, Punk is apparently staying in great shape, as videos and photos have surfaced online showing the 47-year-old looking as muscular as ever.
Kevin Nash is a 2-time WWE Hall of Famer who has criticized Punk for a number of reasons, including for his physique.
On his Kliq This podcast, Nash praised Punk for looking good.
“Seen those pictures of him online—like, you know, at the gym where people are taking pictures of CM Punk—he looks good.”
As he continued, Nash remarked that Punk appears to be locked in when it comes to his physique.
“He got that run at WrestleMania, I think he’s dialed in with his training and definitely dialed in.”
“I think what everyone finds out is we so under-eat. I guarantee you Phil was under-eating by probably 1,000 calories. Being able to eat and train is huge. He’s making bank, he’s taking time off.” (H/T Ringsidenews)
Nash refers to Punk as “Phil” because Punk’s real name is Phil Brooks.
This past January, Nash criticized Punk for wearing a jacket.
“I just don’t understand why Phil had to come down with a jacket on. I mean, s***, go to a f*****ing gym, Phil.”
CM Punk Likely Returning To WWE TV On SmackDown Instead Of Raw
When CM Punk returns to WWE television this summer, the Wrestling Observer reports that the former WWE/World Champion is likely going to be part of SmackDown instead of Raw, which is where he’s been for over three years. That is according to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
“The plan right now is for him to return on Smackdown, which is basically a balancing act. The belief is with Raw having Reigns, Rollins, The Usos, Fatu, Femi, Logan Paul and Breakker that Punk made more sense on Smackdown with a top tier of Rhodes, Gunther, Ripley and soon to be Punk, Orton and McIntyre. Plus Rhodes vs. Punk has been a direction.
The return date of 7/6 Raw in Chicago makes sense, although that is a Raw date, not Smackdown, but that’s really not material in the sense Chicago does make sense for him to appear.”
Cody Rhodes vs. CM Punk is obviously a match that is worthy of a SummerSlam main event for the two-night spectacular on August 1 & 2. That’s also a match WWE could save for WrestleMania 43 next year.