CM Punk Faces Backlash for Accepting WWE Saudi Show Despite Past “Blood Money” Criticism

CM Punk Faces Backlash for Accepting WWE Saudi Show Despite Past “Blood Money” Criticism

CM Punk is officially set to main-event WWE’s Night of Champions in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on June 28, where he’ll challenge John Cena for the Undisputed WWE Championship. But fans are sounding off—not about the match, but Punk’s decision to go in the first place.

Back in 2020, Punk famously criticized WWE’s partnership with Saudi Arabia, calling out The Miz in a now-deleted tweet with a graphic jab:

“Go suck a blood money covered d**k in Saudi Arabia.”

That quote stuck. And now, with Punk not just agreeing to appear—but choosing to—many are calling him a hypocrite.

According to Wrestling Observer Radio’s Dave Meltzer, Punk wasn’t forced to make the trip.

“Punk is big enough to where they wouldn’t even do that with him… he’s still a merch guy, a ratings mover. He could have said no.”

Meltzer added that Punk was included in early promotional material months ago, removed for a time, and then quietly reconfirmed. His participation was a personal decision—not a company mandate.

“He could not go if he really wanted to not go. He was always going. I asked when he was taken out of the promo package, and they said, ‘Nope, he’s still going.’”

While some hoped Punk would stay consistent with his anti-Saudi stance, Meltzer noted that wrestling isn’t built on unwavering principles.

“It’s just wrestling… Everyone comes back. If he was going to stand on principle, he wouldn’t be in WWE at all.”

The upcoming Cena vs. Punk match in Riyadh is expected to be a massive draw, but it’s already overshadowed by the conversation around integrity vs. income.

Fans are now left to ask: Is CM Punk staying true to himself—or is this just another example of wrestling’s “never say never” reality? share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.