Ryback Shuts Down Accusations of Injuring CM Punk

Former WWE Superstar Ryback remains a controversial name in wrestling, especially after his anti-WWE remarks over the years, and his issues with CM Punk over the years are well known by now. With that said, he has now shut down claims that he hurt CM Punk, especially during an infamous spot.

Ryback took to his Instagram and uploaded a video, where Ryback stated that he was as gentle with Punk as he had been with any other opponent. Comparing his matches with Punk to those with Brock Lesnar, he emphasized that Brock was far more physical. Aware of Punk’s injuries and the fact that he was often in pain backstage, Ryback said he took extra care to be gentle with him.

“The reason is that I was as gentle with him as anyone I’ve ever worked with. If you watch my matches with Punk and compare them to Brock, Brock was a million times more physical than I was. I was aware of Punk’s injuries—he was always beat up and hurting backstage—so I was extra gentle with him.”

Addressing the infamous table spot that had been criticized, Ryback stated that the table broke, and Punk landed on padding. He stated that the moment achieved its intended purpose in the storyline and that he faced no actions for it.

Ryback stated that no one, including Vince McMahon, Triple H, or anyone from the office, talked to him about the incident. While it may not have been perfect, he pointed out that Punk still landed safely, making it irrelevant that he did not go directly through the middle of the table.

“The one table spot that some people like to make a big deal out of—the truth is, the table broke, and he landed on padding. We accomplished what we needed to from that angle. I didn’t get in trouble. Not one person talked to me about it—not Vince, not Hunter, no one from the office. The spot went as planned. Was it perfect? No, but he landed on padding. It doesn’t really matter that he didn’t go directly through the middle of the table.”

Ryback also addressed people who say he doesn’t take responsibility for his actions. He shared a story about R-Truth, someone he respects, where he accidentally knocked the wind out of him with a kick to the stomach. In training, wrestlers were taught to kick firmly but remind their opponent to tighten their stomach. That night, Ryback forgot to warn Truth, which led to the mistake.

Ryback felt bad about it, but Truth didn’t complain or get upset. Ryback apologized and said it was something he wished had never happened. He made it clear that he takes responsibility for his actions but believes he treated Punk as well as any other opponent.

“As for people who say, ‘Oh, you can’t hold yourself accountable; you never learn,’ that’s not true. I had an incident in the ring with R-Truth, whom I love dearly. I accidentally knocked the wind out of him by kicking him in the stomach. When we were taught that move in developmental, we were told to always lay it in but remind our opponent to tighten up so they can flex their abdomen.

One particular night, I forgot to tell Truth to tighten up, and when I kicked him, it knocked the wind out of him. I felt horrible. He’s not a crybaby, he never complains, and he wasn’t mad about anything. I apologized for everything, but that’s one thing I truly regret. So I can hold myself accountable all day long. But with Punk, I was as good to him as I’ve been with anyone.”

Ryback has faced criticism for CM Punk’s claims that he was reckless in the ring, but he has always defended himself. That’s why in his latest comments, he tries to clear things up, though it’s up to the fans to decide if they believe him.

Do you think Ryback was unfairly blamed by CM Punk? Or do you believe Punk’s claims about Ryback being reckless in the ring? Let us know in the comments!

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