CM Punk’s recent physical transformation has become one of the biggest talking points in wrestling. Fans and even fellow wrestlers have been discussing how the former World Heavyweight Champion managed to put so much muscle on at 47 years old. As speculation about steroids continues to spread online, former WWE star Ryback has stepped in to defend Punk.
After losing to Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 42, Punk took time away from WWE and focused heavily on his fitness. Photos and workout videos soon began circulating online, showing a leaner, more muscular, and more defined version of Punk.
Ryback explains why CM Punk’s transformation doesn’t suggest steroid abuse
While many praised Punk for his hard work, others questioned whether such a big change was possible naturally at his age. The conversation gained even more attention when TNA star Ryan Nemeth suggested that Punk may have used performance-enhancing drugs, something that would go against his long-standing straight-edge lifestyle.
Not everyone agreed with those claims, and Ryback is one of them.
In a video and social media post, the former WWE star made it clear that nobody truly knows what Punk is doing behind the scenes.
“There’s been a lot of talk lately about CM Punk’s improved physique and the usual speculation that comes with it. Is he on steroids? TRT? HRT? The reality is nobody knows except him and the medical professionals involved, if any,” Ryback wrote on X.
Instead of making accusations, he mentioned heavier weight training, better eating habits, improved sleep, lower stress levels, better recovery, and overall consistency as possible reasons for Punk’s transformation.
“When I look at Punk’s physique, I don’t see something that screams steroid abuse. I see a stronger, healthier version of his previous self. There are a lot of things that can create that result. Training heavier in lower rep ranges can add thickness and density to muscles. Better nutrition, better recovery, better sleep, lower stress, eliminating seed oils, and simply being more consistent can all lead to significant improvements,” Ryback wrote.
Ryback also discussed the possibility that Punk could be using Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) or Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). He said there is a major difference between medically supervised hormone treatments and abusing steroids.
“Could TRT or HRT be involved? Sure, it’s possible. But if someone has medically low testosterone or hormone levels, restoring them to healthy levels is about health and quality of life. It shouldn’t be something people are shamed for. There’s a big difference between optimizing health and abusing performance-enhancing drugs,” he wrote.
Drawing from his own experience with WWE’s Wellness Program, Ryback said he doesn’t believe Punk is abusing steroids.
“Personally, I don’t believe CM Punk is abusing steroids. I believe he’s likely made positive changes, and whatever he’s doing appears to be working,” he wrote.
Ryback also criticized what he sees as constant body-shaming in wrestling.
“What I find interesting is how much body shaming exists in pro wrestling. People complain about Mason Rook because of how he looks. People complain about CM Punk because he improved his physique. It seems no matter what someone does, there’s always a group looking to criticize,” he wrote.
Rather than focusing on rumors and speculation, Ryback believes fans should appreciate the discipline it takes to make such physical changes, especially at 47 years old.
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