Ryback has addressed accusations that he injured CM Punk during their time working together in WWE. In a video posted to his Instagram, Ryback specifically focused on claims related to their in-ring encounters.

The former WWE performer stated that he was particularly careful when working with Punk, knowing about his physical condition at the time.

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.

Ryback also discussed a specific table spot that had drawn criticism, explaining that the outcome was not what critics suggested.

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.

In the same video, Ryback shared an incident involving R-Truth, which he says he does take responsibility for.

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 been vocal in defending himself against CM Punk’s previous allegations that he was reckless in the ring.

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Uma publicação compartilhada por Ryback Reeves (@thebigguyryback22)

Tommy Dreamer praised the recent Steel Cage Match between CM Punk and Seth Rollins on RAW, though he expressed disappointment with one production aspect of the broadcast.

The Steel Cage Match between Punk and Rollins took place after months of animosity between the two competitors. Roman Reigns made his return during the match and attacked both men, potentially setting up a triple-threat match at WrestleMania 41.

During his appearance on Busted Open After Dark, Dreamer shared positive thoughts about the in-ring performance of both competitors.

What a great f’n match from Seth ‘Freakin’ Rollins and CM Punk. Starting it off was awesome, you can tell a story, you can wrestle, it’s something I tell people they need to watch where you can tell a story, you don’t need to k*** each other with weapons, usage of the cage, all these other things, they told an amazing story. Why finishers are so protected is because when you have big matches like this, that’s when your opponent can kick out of an established finish.

Dreamer took issue with Netflix’s decision to black out the screen during moments when both wrestlers displayed middle fingers toward each other.

Not happy about Netflix going black during the middle finger. I do not understand it, ’cause I have seen a lot go out on Netflix that is way worse than the middle finger.

The match ended with Roman Reigns making a surprise return, attacking both Punk and Rollins in the ring.

WWE has not yet officially confirmed whether this attack will lead to a triple-threat match at WrestleMania 41.

ENJOY ONE OF THE BEST RAW ENDINGS OF ALL TIME FEATURING CM PUNK, SETH ROLLINS, & ROMAN REIGNS 🔥#WWERaw

pic.twitter.com/bshM3lyYZt— FADE (@FadeAwayMedia) March 11, 2025

TNA X-Division Champion Moose has revealed a potential feud with CM Punk was planned but never materialized when Punk ultimately signed with WWE instead of TNA.

Before returning to WWE at Survivor Series 2023, CM Punk was reportedly considering TNA as a potential destination following his AEW release. This period of uncertainty created opportunities for various creative possibilities within TNA.

Moose recently shared details about these scrapped plans on X (formerly Twitter), explaining that a program between himself and Punk had been discussed during his time as World Champion.

So while I was World Champ there were plans of Punk coming to TNA and us Fueding. Punk vs Lesnar from SS2013 is one of my favorites matches ever. I was looking forward to recreating something just as awesome. But Obviously it never happened but who Knows. Shout out to @CMPunk.

The revelation provides insight into TNA’s creative direction during the period when Punk’s wrestling future remained uncertain.

Punk’s return to WWE at Survivor Series 2023 marked his first appearance with the company in nearly a decade, effectively ending any possibility of the proposed TNA storyline.

Fans have responded positively to Punk’s current WWE run as he continues to develop new rivalries and storylines within the company.

So while I was World Champ there were plans of Punk coming to TNA and us Fueding. Punk vs Lesnar from SS2013 is one of my favorites matches ever. I was looking forward to recreating something just as awesome. But Obviously it never happened but who Knows. Shout out to @CMPunk… pic.twitter.com/Qldy2ij2uW— MOOSE™️ (@TheMooseNation) March 12, 2025