Drew McIntyre Criticizes CM Punk on Podcast
The wrestler shared his views on his rival during a recent appearance on the INSIGHT with Chris Van Vliet podcast.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Wrestling
Drew McIntyre voiced sharp criticism of CM Punk during a recent interview on the INSIGHT with Chris Van Vliet podcast. This follows the conclusion of their three-match series in 2024, which culminated at Bad Blood.
Why it matters
Public comments from active talent regarding their history and ongoing rivalries provide insight into the narrative direction of WWE storylines. These exchanges often influence audience expectations and set the stage for major future matchups.
CM Punk and Drew McIntyre competed in a trilogy of matches throughout 2024, including a Hell in a Cell match at Bad Blood. CM Punk is currently positioned for a match against Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 43.
The players
Drew McIntyre
He is a professional wrestler who has been a prominent figure in the WWE championship scene for several years.
CM Punk
He is a veteran professional wrestler who returned to the WWE in 2023 following a lengthy hiatus from the organization.
Cody Rhodes
He is a top-tier professional wrestler who is a central figure in WWE main event storylines.
Sami Zayn
He is a professional wrestler who recently captured the WWE Undisputed Championship.
Randy Orton
He is a veteran professional wrestler who interfered in the SummerSlam match between CM Punk and Cody Rhodes.
The details
The recent comments arrive following a high-profile feud that saw CM Punk return to the promotion in 2023. Beyond the McIntyre rivalry, CM Punk remains central to championship discussions, having previously defended the WWE Undisputed Championship at SummerSlam before dropping the title to Sami Zayn.
Timeline
CM Punk returned to the WWE in 2023.
CM Punk and Drew McIntyre engaged in a heated feud throughout 2024.
The article was published on October 20, 2026.
A match between CM Punk and Cody Rhodes is planned for WrestleMania 43.
Season Trajectory
These ongoing personal feuds establish the primary conflicts that will define the road to WrestleMania 43. By keeping key stars like CM Punk and Cody Rhodes at the forefront of the championship picture, the company anchors its long-term booking strategy.
The planned match at WrestleMania 43 suggests that both CM Punk and Cody Rhodes will remain featured in high-stakes main events throughout the coming months. Fans can monitor future episodes to see how the interference from Randy Orton at SummerSlam continues to shape these specific character trajectories.
The takeaway
Ongoing narrative friction between top stars helps drive fan interest toward major annual events. Keeping track of wrestler interviews often reveals the underlying tensions that will eventually play out on pay-per-view broadcasts.
Further reading
For more on the latest developments in the squared circle, check out our Wrestling coverage.
