When WWE RAW went dark in Tulsa on June 2nd, CM Punk wasn’t done talking. The Second City Saint grabbed a microphone to address something that had been brewing all night—and his words have the wrestling world buzzing about whether he was joking or sending a message.
R-Truth Chants Dominate RAW Despite Star-Studded Matches
The BOK Center crowd made their feelings crystal clear throughout the evening. Passionate “We Want Truth” chants erupted not once, but twice during key matches, overshadowing what should have been showcase moments for WWE’s talent.
The vocal protests first disrupted the Women’s Money in the Bank Qualifying Match featuring Liv Morgan, Stephanie Vaquer, and Ivy Nile. Despite the high-stakes nature of the bout, fans refused to stay quiet about R-Truth’s recent WWE release.
The chants reached fever pitch during the main event triple threat qualifying match. Even with CM Punk, AJ Styles, and El Grande Americano delivering fast-paced action, the Tulsa faithful prioritized their message over the in-ring product.
Punk’s Cryptic Post-Show Message
After the broadcast concluded, CM Punk seized the moment to confront the crowd’s behavior directly. His comment cut straight to the heart of the situation.
“How dare you sing someone’s name when they’re not here?”
The arena’s mixed reaction told the whole story. Some fans burst into laughter, interpreting Punk’s words as a self-aware joke about his own decade-long absence from WWE. Others wondered if the Straight Edge Superstar was genuinely criticizing the crowd’s timing and tactics.
The Irony Wasn’t Lost on Anyone
Wrestling fans immediately recognized the layers to Punk’s statement. For nearly ten years after his controversial 2014 departure, “CM Punk” chants became a regular feature at WWE events. Now he finds himself on the other side, watching fans hijack shows for a different absent wrestler.
The parallel situations create a fascinating dynamic that speaks to WWE’s relationship with its passionate fanbase and how performer departures ripple through the wrestling community.
Social Media Erupts Over WWE’s Roster Decisions
The live crowd’s rebellion represents just the tip of the iceberg. WWE’s official social media accounts promoting upcoming programming have become battlegrounds for frustrated fans expressing their displeasure with TKO’s recent moves.
Comments sections filled with direct demands reflect the intensity of fan sentiment. “FCK U. BRING BACK R TRUTH and CARLITO,” wrote one user, while another declared: “Yea not watching any of these shows till @RonKillings is back in WWE.”
The coordinated nature of the online backlash suggests this isn’t a fleeting reaction but a sustained campaign from R-Truth’s dedicated supporters.
A Fan Revolt Reminiscent of Wrestling’s Most Turbulent Moments
The situation brewing around R-Truth’s release carries echoes of wrestling’s most significant fan uprisings. The sustained chanting, social media campaigns, and complete disregard for ongoing matches mirror the atmosphere that preceded major shifts in wrestling history.
What makes this particularly intriguing is CM Punk’s position in the middle of it all. The man who once inspired similar fan reactions now finds himself potentially playing peacekeeper while WWE navigates choppy waters with its audience.
As WWE heads into a packed week of programming, the question remains: will these protests fade away, or is this the beginning of a fan movement that forces the company’s hand? And perhaps more importantly—was CM Punk’s comment really just a joke, or a preview of how WWE plans to handle the growing discontent?
