Ryback parted ways with WWE earlier this year, and the former Intercontinental Champion has been keeping busy on the independent scene. Ryback’s departure from WWE was controversial, but it wasn’t nearly as controversial as CM Punk’s departure. After CM Punk parted ways with WWE in 2014, he opened up about his WWE career during Colt Cabana’s podcast, and he had some less than flattering things to say about Ryback.
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Former WWE writer Kevin Eck recently did a Q&A session with Ryback, and he asked him about CM Punk’s comments, and what he would say to Punk if they ever come face to face. You can see what he had to say below.
“Recently, Colt Cabana and myself had a talk, and he was very apologetic, even though he never said anything. But it meant a lot to me because we always got along in the few encounters we had. I will never know why [Punk] chose to say the things he did, and it definitely didn’t help my career at that point. All I know is he was very banged up and miserable during the periods we worked together. I think people have to look at it this way: How many other people are out there saying that about me? I was always respectful of him in his time there, and before our runs together, he was always good to me. Working in the WWE, though, has a way to bring out the worst in everybody. I have made jokes [about Punk] over the years via social media, as it is fun to get a reaction from his followers from time to time, but if I were to ever see him, I would tell him, “If I really did ever hurt you [in the ring], I truly am sorry, but I don’t think it was the right thing to do to say the things you did.” Life is too short to hold grudges, and I truly wish him the best in his life.”
Kevin Eck also brought up how Ryback’s WWE run ended badly, but he asked the former WWE Superstar if he would ever return to the company. Ryback made it clear that he doesn’t have much interest in working the WWE schedule again.
“I have never been happier being off the road. There is more to life than living in hotels and not having control to do the other things in life you are passionate about. It is a very negative and toxic environment at times, and I am happy working for myself now. I never want to be away from home four-to-five days a week full time again, ever.”
