If you caught the latest WWE Survivor Series: WarGames match, you’re probably talking about that wild spot involving CM Punk. What was meant to be a signature “Doomsday Device” ended up looking more like a wrestling mess and one former WWE champion couldn’t stay quiet about it. Let’s dive into exactly what happened, why it struck a nerve, and what it might mean for Punk’s rep going forward.
The Risky Spot What Went Down
In the men’s WarGames main event, Punk teamed up with Cody Rhodes for a Doomsday Device a classic WWE move where one wrestler lifts the opponent and the other delivers a clothesline. But from the replay, it looked like things went sideways. Instead of a clean clothesline, Punk appeared to palm-strike the opponent’s chest. The result? The opponent landed awkwardly head and neck hitting first and reportedly seemed dazed afterward.
On his show, former Hardcore Champion Stevie Richards didn’t mince words. He called the landing “scary” and warned that someone could’ve seriously hurt their neck. Richards argued that Rhodes did his job right by lifting, but Punk failed to “drive through” with a proper clothesline.
Why Fans and Wrestlers Are Talking About It
Wrestling is always a controlled chaos but when a move breaks that control, it gets attention. That’s exactly what happened here. Many saw the spot as sloppy and dangerous. Given how unpredictable everything in WWE can be, a botched high-risk move didn’t sit well with fans or professionals.
Moreover, the healing of trust after a big spot like this can be tricky. Once a wrestler lands badly, even if no injury is officially reported, doubts linger. Is the move safe? Can the wrestler bounce back? For someone like Punk, whose past and reputation already draw scrutiny, every mistake weighs heavier.
Fallout What This Could Mean for Punk’s Reputation
This wasn’t just a slip-up on the mat. It could have real consequences for how Punk is perceived. A high-profile error like this can lead to:
Questioned Reliability — promoters and peers might hesitate to trust him with risky spots.
Fan Backlash — fans expect perfection, especially from top stars, and perceived carelessness can erode goodwill.
Increased Pressure — next matches may come with heightened scrutiny, reducing room for error.
Some might say wrestling is about risks. But there’s a difference between calculated risk and avoidable mistakes. This incident blurs that line for Punk.
Quick Comparison: Intended Move vs. What Happened
| Expected Outcome | Actual Result | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Clean clothesline + safe landing | Palm-strike chest + awkward neck/shoulder landing | Risk of real injury, lack of visual impact |
| Controlled execution with performer safety | Spot looked sloppy and dangerous | Harm to wrestler’s physique and credibility |
| Crowd cheers for a big move | Mixed reactions — concern over safety | Fans may lose trust in performance quality |
Conclusion
Wrestling thrives on spectacle but it also depends on trust. When a high-risk move goes wrong the way it did for Punk in WarGames, it shakes that foundation. It’s not just about one move anymore. It becomes a talking point for fans, a warning for wrestlers, and a judgment on a performer’s professionalism. Punk still has charisma, star power, and history. But after this, every step he takes in the ring might come with extra eyes watching and extra pressure to prove he’s earned those cheers.