WWE Star Says They’d ‘Run Circles’ Around CM Punk

WWE

A WWE star has said that they would ‘run circles’ around CM Punk after Punk challenged them to a match at the Royal Rumble.

On the WWE Royal Rumble 2026, CM Punk called out United States Champion Carmelo Hayes after it was noted that Punk needed just a United States Championship victory to complete his Grand Slam.

Speaking on the Beyond The Bell Podcast, Hayes responded to Punk’s call out, noting that he believes he would ‘run circles’ around him.

He said:

“Yeah I definitely wanna wrestle CM Punk, I made a joke on Twitter though that if we do it’s gotta be winner takes all.

“Punk, he’s actually a guy man, I’ve been watching him since I was a kid, so I’ve looked up to CM Punk and he’s been a mentor to a lot of the younger guys backstage, despite what people wanna say, he’s always been a mentor to a lot of us, and he’s always excited to see us have our first moments.

“I remember when I won the title, he was in Gorilla with a tear in his eye. I couldn’t believe it, like why do you care so much, but I think just him seeing other people have these accomplishments for the first time, and remembering where he was when he had his first accomplishment, it’s just very cool that he’s like that.

“As far as getting in the ring with him, I’d probably run circles around him honestly. I think CM Punk’s a great in-ring performer, but I don’t think he’s ready for what I got. I’m just going right now, week to week to week with it.

“I’m very much so looking forward to that match, and I challenge CM Punk to really bring the heat man. He’s on a roll too and he’s having a great title reign, but we can go title reign for title reign and I don’t think he’s touching Melo.”

If you use this transcription or any portion of it please credit WrestleTalk.com and link to this page.

Punk is set to main event WrestleMania 42 in April, after Roman Reigns challenged him to a World Heavyweight Championship match after his Royal Rumble victory.

To make sure you stay up to date with all the biggest wrestling and WrestleTalk news, follow us on Threads by clicking this link!

• wwe
• cm punk
• Carmelo Hayes

Share this article with friends