Rikishi Condemns CM Punk’s Disrespectful Comments About Roman Reigns’ Father
CM Punk’s recent remarks targeting Roman Reigns and his late father, Sika Anoaʻi, have drawn sharp criticism from within the wrestling community, including a strong rebuke from WWE legend Rikishi.
During a promo on WWE Raw, Punk alluded to burying Roman Reigns alongside his father, a comment widely perceived as disrespectful. Rikishi, a member of the Anoaʻi family, expressed his disappointment on his “Off The Top” podcast, stating that Punk crossed a line by invoking Sika’s name. TJRWrestling.net and Sportskeeda reported on the fallout.
Rikishi’s Strong Words for CM Punk
“You know, I felt that by CM Punk bringing up my uncle’s name was just a disrespectful thing for him to do,” Rikishi said. “I would have thought CM Punk that you’re smart enough to even tap on something like that. If you tried to get up underneath our skin, if you tried to get up underneath the family skin, you got up underneath this one, man, because I had nothing but respect for CM Punk.”
Rikishi acknowledged Punk’s contributions to professional wrestling but emphasized the gravity of referencing a deceased family member, particularly a highly respected figure like Sika Anoaʻi. He questioned Punk’s motives, asking if the comment was simply a ploy for attention.
“You’ve done a lot in the industry. You’ve been around the world… But when you mention a name of a family member that is no longer here, a paramount chief in this family who we all respect and love, and then you desire to dig that up. What was it for you to get some heat? Is that what it was?” Rikishi stated.
Leaving Retribution to Roman Reigns
Rikishi warned Punk that his actions could have lasting consequences, stating, “If you done turned something over, that is going to be hard for you to arrive back from.” But, he deferred any direct response to Roman Reigns, leaving the matter in his hands. Sportskeeda highlighted this point.
CM Punk has not issued an apology for his comments and has reportedly doubled down on his animosity towards Reigns and the Anoaʻi family. WrestlingInc.com noted that Punk has not backed down.