Since stepping away from in-ring competition, Ryback has gained a reputation for sharing hot takes on the world of wrestling.
In more recent months, though, those takes have been surprisingly softer, revealing a more positive side to “The Big Guy.” Ryback has praised Danhausen, defended Roman Reigns for attending the UFC Freedom 250
event at the White House, and even spoke out against online bullies for body shaming wrestlers.But in what could be the biggest surprise yet from the former WWE star,
Ryback has offered some kind words about former rival CM Punk and even expressed happiness for the reigning Undisputed WWE Champion’s current success.
For those who haven’t paid attention to Ryback’s online activity in recent years, the muscleman was once prone to frequently chastising Punk.
The animosity towards Punk seemed to stem from The Second City Saint dragging Ryback while speaking on Colt Cabana’s podcast in 2014.
On the podcast, Punk characterized Ryback as unsafe in the ring and said wrestling him “took 20 years off my f***ing life.” While claiming to have sustained injuries at the hands of Ryback without receiving an apology, Punk also referred to him as “Steroid Guy.”
Ryback responded to the comments with messages he posted (and later deleted) on X (Twitter) in which he accused Punk of slander as well as insinuated Punk quit WWE around that time because he was “fragile and insecure.”
He would continue to take shots at Punk over the years, and he even notoriously promised to retire from pro wrestling if Punk returned to WWE at 2023’s Survivor Series. Punk did indeed appear at the event that night, and Ryback backpedaled on his promise.
To the surprise of many, Ryback spoke up on behalf of the Chicago native earlier this year when rumors popped up about Punk using performance enhancing drugs to achieve a more muscular look.
“When I look at Punk’s physique, I don’t see something that screams steroid abuse,” Ryback wrote on X. “I see a stronger, healthier version of his previous self.”
On Wednesday (August 12)), Ryback went further by stating on social media that he know longer has any “bad blood” with Punk.
“CM Punk. Is there any bad blood? No, I don’t hold onto any hate with that man. I’ve said what I needed to say on it. He said what he said on it, and it doesn’t make sense to hold onto that forever,” Ryback said in a video posted on X. “That doesn’t mean we’ll ever be friends or work together or anything like that. It doesn’t serve me to hold onto that hate or that anger.”
He continued: “I’ve told the truth from the beginning on it. A lot of people love and support me on it. It doesn’t matter what people think. It’s all over with. People will rehash the past over and over. It doesn’t serve me or benefit me, so I’m happy for him on everything. I’m happy he’s back.
“I’ve learned in life it’s better to just be happy for people or stay neutral on it, because that controls our feelings. You’re choosing to get angry over something, right? I’m happy for him. I’m happy everything’s cool. I think he looks great, and I’m happy for him that he’s gotten in better shape. Whatever he’s doing is working.”
In the caption of the X post with the video, Ryback wrote, in part: “I’ve found in life, and you’ll hear me repeat this all the time, happiness is a choice, and hating is a choice.”
What do you think, Cagesiders? Are you surprised about Ryback’s message? Do you approve of this kinder, softer version of The Big Guy? Let us know in the comments.
