The Ryback weighs in on CM Punk steroid speculation

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Ryan Nemeth seemingly accused CM Punk of being on steroids this week, after a video clip spread where the straight-edge WWE star looked absolutely jacked while working out in the gym. Needless to say, there has been plenty of debate in the pro wrestling discourse about what CM Punk is or isn’t doing to get this kind of body, whether the video is real or not, and what substances are okay to take without being a hypocrite over the definition of straight-edge. The Ryback chimed in today on social media to offer his vast insight into the matter. He is, of course, the former WWE star who Punk famously called “Steroid Guy” during his tell-all podcast on walking out of WWE in 2014. The Ryback has trash talked Punk for years since then on his podcast, often referring to him as “Fragile Phil.” The Ryback doesn’t think CM is abusing steroids, and says there are a lot of other factors that can explain his improved physique. As far as potential Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) or Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) are concerned, The Ryback says people shouldn’t be shamed for optimizing health and quality of life. 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. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again:… pic.twitter.com/VOwjWzPBx6 — RYBACK (@Ryback) June 4, 2026 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. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: happiness is a choice, and being angry and complaining is a choice. We all have free will. 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. 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. Having been under the WWE Wellness Program myself, I understand the rules and requirements. 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. 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. Personally, I’m happy to see him looking healthy and strong. And maybe now he understands why the term “steroid guy” was never the right label for someone like me. I’ve been against steroid abuse since I was very young, but I’ve always been for optimal health and becoming the best version of ourselves. And that’s the last bite. Feed Me More! Does The Ryback have one of the more sensible takes that you’ve seen so far on all this CM Punk steroids speculation? Let me know what you think in the comments below, Cagesiders.