In a recent candid interview on TMZ’s Inside The Ring podcast, former WWE United States Champion Matt Riddle reignited his long-standing feud with CM Punk by reiterating that several current WWE wrestlers still consider Punk difficult to work with behind the scenes. Riddle stated, “I have good friends on the roster that still say he’s a b*tch to work with,” underscoring the lingering backstage tension surrounding the “Best in the World” despite Punk’s high-profile presence and drawing power for WWE’s TKO brand[3].

Riddle made it clear that his criticism comes from reliable sources within WWE, but also acknowledged Punk’s undeniable influence when it comes to attracting audiences. “If he didn’t generate the amount of money and attention that he does, he wouldn’t be there,” Riddle said, continuing, “Kudos to him. The guy packs an arena. He sells tickets. He sells merchandise. When you’re looking at WWE, especially with TKO, I don’t think they care about anything else. They go, ‘What do you want to get paid? You bring on this much value. Okay, good’”[3].

This latest salvo follows a series of public comments by Riddle targeting Punk’s in-ring ability and backstage behavior. Earlier this summer, Riddle blamed CM Punk for derailing AEW’s momentum, alleging Punk’s conduct caused financial losses and harmed fan support. Riddle harshly described Punk as someone who “sucks at fighting and he’s a b*tch to work with in the back,” a remark that quickly drew widespread attention in the wrestling community[4].

The bad blood between the two wrestlers transcended typical wrestling rivalry when Riddle took to social media in late June 2025, responding to viral footage of Punk pushing away a young fan in Saudi Arabia. Riddle’s now-deleted tweet included a scathing critique of Punk’s professionalism, referencing frequent in-ring botches and mocking Punk’s fighting capabilities[1][2]. The comment section and wrestling media were abuzz as Riddle’s anger seemed to reflect broader backstage dissatisfaction with Punk’s attitude.

CM Punk, for his part, has made some attempts at smoothing tensions. Notably, during WWE’s Night of Champions kickoff show, Punk issued a public apology for past controversial remarks, including a 2020 tweet that insulted The Miz and Saudi Arabia. Despite the apology, Punk was met with boos from the live crowd and ongoing scrutiny over his recent actions, including the fan incident and questioned wrestling performances[2][4].

Expert observers and insiders note that the controversy surrounding Punk’s backstage reputation is complex. Since his return to WWE in late 2023, many co-workers and WWE management, including Triple H, have praised Punk’s professionalism and leadership. However, Riddle’s comments suggest there remain pockets within the locker room that feel differently, highlighting the polarizing nature of Punk’s presence[3].

Beyond CM Punk, Riddle also used the podcast to briefly criticize other top stars such as Goldberg and Roman Reigns, continuing his trend of blunt and unfiltered opinions about major wrestling figures. Sources close to WWE indicate that Riddle’s outspoken nature keeps him at odds with some locker room members but also endears him to fans who appreciate his honesty[3].

The ongoing feud between Riddle and Punk illustrates the intricate dynamics behind WWE’s on-screen rivalries and the real-life personality clashes that often fuel them. While Punk continues to be a major box office draw, controversy over his backstage demeanor and ring performance has not fully dissipated.

According to a WWE insider, “Riddle’s remarks echo what some wrestlers quietly think but don’t voice publicly. Punk brings undeniable value, but that doesn’t erase the fact that working with him can be challenging. This tension isn’t new, but it’s rarely aired so bluntly on a public platform”[3].

As of August 2025, the feud remains unresolved. With both men active in WWE and often featured prominently in major storylines, wrestling fans can expect their interactions—both scripted and unscripted—to continue making headlines.

This development adds another chapter to the contentious history between two of wrestling’s most talked-about personalities, highlighting how business, personal grievances, and fan perception often collide in the world of professional wrestling.

For ongoing WWE news and backstage updates on Matt Riddle, CM Punk, and other top talent, stay tuned to WWE.com, Fightful, Ringside News, and other leading wrestling news sources.

Article Keywords: Matt Riddle, CM Punk, WWE backstage drama, WWE TKO, WWE United States Champion, WWE Night of Champions, WWE Saudi Arabia, WWE controversy, CM Punk botches, WWE locker room tension, WWE insider comments