Over the past decade, social media has become deeply intertwined with the world of professional wrestling, occasionally serving as a tool to advance storylines. But wrestling talent and companies mostly use it to promote shows and match highlights.
Many wrestlers use social media platforms, connecting with fans and promoting their work. This accessibility also fosters a range of interactions, from positive engagements to toxic exchanges, between fans and talent. Social media can also blur the lines between real life and kayfabe, an uncertainty that can bleed into the pro wrestling programming.
This has irked CM Punk, formally an active member of Twitter. He told Ariel Helwani of The MMA Hour that excessive sharing on these platforms can be detrimental to performers, as it potentially reveals too much about themselves.
“We give away so much and a lot of the times it hurts us as performers, as pro wrestlers,” Punk said. “Like, we are giving away too much. It is almost like I wanted everyone to believe all of the bulls–t and the lies about me. It helps me make more money. It helps me draw more money. I just want all those people, like if you are going to believe all of that wild, crazy, bulls–t. believe it, and then just leave me the f–k alone. But that is the thing, they can never just leave me alone.”
Not acknowledging anything lets the social media speculation swirl, but also risks false narratives developing. Punk seems fine with letting this run wild, only posting cryptic Instagram stories to sometimes acknowledge talk about him.
Days like today, however, leave no room for speculation among fans. Punk’s words were definitive and explicit, sparing no detail. While he may still not be left alone, he has undoubtedly answered lingering questions about the last 10 months of his career.
[lawrence-related id=47477]