This WWE Legend Thinks It’s Time for CM Punk to Retire

Kevin Nash questioned CM Punk’s in-ring performance and suggested the longtime WWE star may be past his prime.

CM Punk Urged to Retire by This WWE Legend
Photo by Craig Melvin/WWE via Getty Images

CM Punk’s latest run at the top of WWE is drawing strong reactions—and this time, from one of the company’s most outspoken Hall of Famers.

Kevin Nash recently questioned whether Punk should still be competing at a championship level, delivering blunt commentary during an episode of his Kliq This podcast.

While discussing the most recent edition of WWE Raw, Nash focused on Punk’s appearance and pace during the show’s closing match. In particular, Nash took issue with Punk wearing a T-shirt while wrestling, which he suggested undercuts the presentation expected of a WWE World Heavyweight Champion.

“I watched Punk in the main event match last Monday,” Nash said. “If you’re the World Champ of WWE and you’re wrestling in a T-shirt…ouch. His punches looked really slow. He looked slow. I think it’s time for him. He’s done.”

The remarks come as Punk continues his reign as World Heavyweight Champion in late 2025. Now 47, Punk has remained one of WWE’s most visible stars since returning to the company, regularly anchoring major episodes of Raw and premium live events.

Nash, a six-time world champion, has long been vocal about how top champions should be presented. His critique appeared less about crowd response—which Punk continues to generate—and more about how the champion looks in the ring during marquee moments.

The match Nash referenced is believed to be from the December 22 episode of Raw, part of WWE’s build toward the upcoming Netflix era of the weekly show. WWE is set to launch a major anniversary edition of Raw on the streaming platform in January, with Punk positioned as a central figure.

As of this writing, Punk has not publicly responded to Nash’s comments. He remains scheduled to defend the World Heavyweight Championship against Bron Breakker on January 5 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

Stay ahead on Exclusives

Download the Complex App