The Clash of Icons: Rikishi Backs “The Best in the World” Against Nash’s Criticism
In the high-stakes world of WWE, the spotlight doesn’t just illuminate the matches; it dissects every choice a champion makes—down to their ring gear. I’ve covered this business for over two decades, and the level of scrutiny CM Punk faces as the current World Heavyweight Champion is virtually unprecedented. The latest firestorm comes from a war of words between two Hall of Famers: Kevin Nash and Rikishi. While “Big Daddy Cool” took aim at Punk’s modern presentation, Rikishi has stepped into the fray to remind the world why Punk is exactly where he belongs.
WWE Hall of Famer Rikishi recently defended World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk following criticism from Kevin Nash regarding Punk’s wrestling attire on RAW. Nash expressed disapproval of Punk wrestling in a t-shirt, suggesting it diminished the champion’s prestige and that Punk looked “slow.” Speaking on his Off The Top podcast, Rikishi countered by stating it is “Punk’s time” and that a champion should have the freedom to define their own image. This debate highlights a generational shift in wrestling between traditional presentation standards and modern individuality.
1. Nash’s Critique: The Old-School Standard
The controversy ignited on Kevin Nash’s Kliq This podcast, where the nWo legend didn’t mince words after watching the December 22, 2025, episode of RAW. Nash specifically targeted the “Best in the World” for competing in a t-shirt during a high-profile tag match, stating:
“If you’re the Heavyweight Champion of the WWE and you wrestle in a t-shirt? Ouch. Number two, his punches looked really slow… I think he’s done.”
For Nash, the champion is the flagship of the company—a role that traditionally demands a specific, “larger-than-life” physical presentation. By wrestling in a shirt, Nash argued that Punk was hiding his conditioning and failing to uphold the “prestige” of the Big Gold Belt.
2. Rikishi Steps In: “Let Them Do Them”
Rikishi, whose own career spanned multiple eras and transformations, offered a starkly different perspective on his Off The Top podcast. Despite his long-standing friendship with Nash, “Big Kish” was firm in his support of Punk’s current run and the creative freedom that comes with it.
“I think CM Punk is CM Punk… At the time right now, this is CM Punk’s time,” Rikishi asserted. He emphasized that the company’s belief in Punk as a top draw justifies his choices. “What CM Punk does, the champ can do whatever he want to do… Obviously, the company believes in him.”
Rikishi’s defense centered on a simple philosophy: when a performer is “at the wheel” and driving the business forward, the industry legends should respect the ride.
3. The Generational Divide: Branding vs. Authenticity
This isn’t just a spat about a t-shirt; it’s a philosophical battleground.
- The Nash Perspective: Representing the 1990s and early 2000s, this view prioritizes “The Look.” A champion must look like a superhero, maintaining a rigid aesthetic that signals dominance to a mainstream audience.
- The Rikishi/Punk Perspective: Representing the modern era, this view prioritizes “The Connection.” Punk’s appeal has always been his “anti-hero” persona—the guy who looks like the fans, talks like the fans, and rebels against corporate standards. To many, the t-shirt isn’t “hiding” anything; it’s a branding tool and a nod to his “indie” roots that his loyal fanbase appreciates.
4. Punk’s “Best in the World” Response
True to form, CM Punk didn’t let the comments slide without a bit of psychological warfare. At a recent WWE live event in Fort Myers, Punk teased the crowd by pretending to take off his shirt, only to reveal another shirt underneath—a clear jab at Nash’s obsession with his attire. Punk later clarified in interviews that while house shows are about having fun and making colleagues laugh, he remains shirtless for his biggest title defenses, such as his recent win over Bron Breakker.
Conclusion: A Champion Defined by Results, Not Threads
As we head deeper into 2026, the noise surrounding CM Punk isn’t going anywhere. Whether he’s wearing a t-shirt or traditional trunks, the fact remains that he is a proven ratings mover and a merchandise powerhouse. Rikishi’s defense highlights a crucial truth: in today’s WWE, “star power” is measured by the roar of the crowd, not just the measurements of a physique. Punk continues to be the most polarizing figure in the locker room, and as long as he’s holding the World Heavyweight Championship, he’ll continue to do it his way.
