Many pro wrestling fans were shocked after CM Punk announced on AEW that he'll be taking a leave. According to Punk, he suffered an injury during a televised event, and will need to undergo surgery. Because of that, the promotion will be holding a new interim title for the time being.

Most AEW fans were saddened by the news of CM Punk's injury. A former co-worker of CM Punk, however, seemed to enjoy the news. Ryback, who once worked with CM Punk on WWE, sent out a two-word tweet that earned the ire of fans.

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CM Punk and Ryback did not get along at all during their time in the WWE. Both men would work together multiple times in a storyline involving The Nexus. During that period, the now-AEW star criticized Ryback for his stiff approach in the ring. Punk would claim that he suffered many injuries during his time working with The Big Guy.

Ryback pushed back at this claim, saying that Punk was merely faking his injuries. Nonetheless, the allegations from Punk derailed any momentum Ryback had in the WWE. With the WWE placing a heavy emphasis on safety, Ryback's “unsafe” reputation perhaps discouraged the company to make a major push for him.

Since his release from the WWE in 2016, Ryback has circled around in the independent circuit. He hasn't been signed by any major promotion, such as the AEW and New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW). While these events certainly don't condone Ryback's tasteless statement, it does give a bit of explanation as to why the ex-WWE star would act in this manner.