Skilled wrestling history is plagued by stories of performers who perpetually disagreed, never got along, or held a grudge for myriad reasons, so sometimes, when years go by, and a wierd bedfellow involves the defense of a former adversary, it raises some eyebrows and piques interest. Such was the case when, earlier this yr, Ryback got here to the defense of longtime rival CM Punk, because it pertained to his apology toward the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia ahead of Night of Champions.
Responding to a tweet by Brandon Thurston, promoting an article he wrote for Post Wrestling, Ryback backed up the six-time WWE Champion, with whom he’s had beef since their shared time in WWE together from 2010-14. “I’ve had my issues with Punk,” Ryback said, “but I do not see him as a sellout. He returned to do what he loves and to generate profits.” Leaning into WWE’s standing as a worldwide product, Ryback elaborated, seemingly understanding the undeniable fact that it is not as easy as simply refusing to work here or there anymore. “Working at that level means navigating complex deals, personal beliefs, and public perception. His apology wasn’t about abandoning values—it was about how he expressed them publicly in ways in which hurt skilled relationships.”
The problems between Punk and Ryback were escalated when Punk, on then-friend Colt Cabana’s “The Art of Wrestling” podcast, alleged that the previous Skip Sheffield was “very hurty,” adding that Ryback once kicked him within the stomach in a match “as hard as he could,” breaking some ribs, and never apologized due to this fact. Their feud continued as recently as during Punk’s time in AEW, when shortly after winning the AEW World Championship, he announced he’d be needing surgery. “Karma rules,” Ryback would post on the time, but while the 2 might not be exchanging holiday cards anytime soon, it’s interesting to notice an apparent change in perception from “The Big Guy” just a number of short months ago.