CM Punk’s trainer has responded to online allegations that the WWE star is using steroids.
Ahead of Punk’s return to WWE following a two-and-a-half-month absence after WrestleMania 42, photos showing his changing physique during gym workouts led to speculation on social media that he was using performance-enhancing substances.
Jay Ferruggia, Punk’s trainer, took to Instagram on Thursday to push back against those claims (see video below). Ferruggia credited Punk’s physical transformation to his commitment to training, nutrition and recovery.
“CM Punk is working his ass off,” Ferruggia said. “From day one, when he reached out to me, he has done every single thing that I’ve asked him to do. He’s on vacation in Hawaii, checking in with me every single day, sending me pictures, sending me his meals, sending me his macros, his weight, his temperature after meals, sending me videos from the gym, taking naps, getting enough sleep, getting morning sunshine, taking the supplements I tell him to take, never missing a workout, doing more than I ask him. I have to hold him back.”
Ferruggia went on to say that Punk’s work ethic ranks alongside anyone he has trained during his career.
“In 30 years in this business, CM Punk is working as hard as anyone I’ve ever worked with,” he continued. “He’s as dedicated as anyone.”
Ferruggia then directly addressed the steroid speculation, arguing that some of the images circulating online are either AI-generated or taken under conditions that make Punk appear larger.
“And you want to sit here and post after post, ‘CM Punk is on steroids,’ blah, blah. Meanwhile, half these pictures are AI, and the other half are from being in the gym with great lighting, with a great pump.”
According to Ferruggia, Punk getting leaner and changing his training methods have also contributed to the noticeable difference in his physique.
“He’s gotten significantly leaner, so when you get leaner, you look bigger, and he’s training in a different way. Honestly, he’s making almost newbie gains.”
Ferruggia closed by taking aim at those accusing Punk of taking shortcuts to achieve his results.
“So just because someone’s getting somewhere and accomplishing something that you can’t doesn’t mean they are taking shortcuts and cheating.”
CM Punk is scheduled to appear at the TD Garden in Boston, MA. this coming Friday night, August 14, for a live episode of WWE SmackDown. Make sure to join us here at WrestlingHeadlines.com on 8/14 for live WWE SmackDown Results coverage.
