Former critic Kevin Nash has publicly praised CM Punk’s physical transformation during his absence from WWE programming.
CM Punk has not appeared on WWE TV since the post-WrestleMania 42 episode of Raw, where he lost the World Heavyweight Championship to Roman Reigns in a highly acclaimed match.
While speculation has surrounded Punk’s WWE departure, reports suggest he is simply taking a scheduled break after a demanding schedule over recent years.
This routine hiatus is typical for veteran performers post-WrestleMania, including former champions like Drew McIntyre and Randy Orton.
Recent social media content shows the 47-year-old Punk maintaining peak physical condition, with gym footage and images circulating online.
Kevin Nash, a two-time WWE Hall of Famer known for past critiques of Punk—including remarks about his physique—acknowledged his improved appearance on the Kliq This podcast:
“Seen those pictures of him online—like, you know, at the gym where people are taking pictures of CM Punk—he looks good.”
Nash further emphasized Punk’s focus on fitness:
“He got that run at WrestleMania, I think he’s dialed in with his training and definitely dialed in.” “I think what everyone finds out is we so under-eat. I guarantee you Phil was under-eating by probably 1,000 calories. Being able to eat and train is huge. He’s making bank, he’s taking time off.” (H/T Ringsidenews)
Nash uses Punk’s real name, Phil Brooks, in his commentary.
Previously, in January, Nash mocked Punk’s choice of attire:
“I just don’t understand why Phil had to come down with a jacket on. I mean, s***, go to a f*****ing gym, Phil.”
CM Punk Expected to Return to SmackDown Over Raw
According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, CM Punk’s anticipated WWE return this summer will likely occur on SmackDown rather than Raw, where he has been based for over three years. The decision is reportedly strategic:
“The plan right now is for him to return on Smackdown, which is basically a balancing act. The belief is with Raw having Reigns, Rollins, The Usos, Fatu, Femi, Logan Paul and Breakker that Punk made more sense on Smackdown with a top tier of Rhodes, Gunther, Ripley and soon to be Punk, Orton and McIntyre. Plus Rhodes vs. Punk has been a direction.
The return date of 7/6 Raw in Chicago makes sense, although that is a Raw date, not Smackdown, but that’s really not material in the sense Chicago does make sense for him to appear.”
A potential Cody Rhodes vs. CM Punk matchup could headline SummerSlam on August 1-2 or be reserved for WrestleMania 43.
