On the May 20 episode of WWE SmackDown, John Cena delivered his own version of CM Punk’s infamous “pipe bomb” promo.
In the promo, he claimed Punk was no longer the “voice of the voiceless,” alluding to the idea that Punk had sold out by agreeing to appear in Saudi Arabia – something he had previously been against on principle – no longer the rebellious outsider, Punk was part of the establishment.
If Cena’s shoot-style comments are to be believed, it raises the question: who now represents that counter-cultural spirit Punk embodied in 2011 when he first dropped the pipe bomb?
Here are five WWE stars who could potentially be the new “voice of the voiceless” – the one to speak truth to power.
5. Aleister Black
Tattooed from head to toe, WWE’s recently returned star Aleister Black is a walking, talking billboard for counter-culture.
Much like CM Punk, he’s outspoken and unafraid to voice his dissatisfaction publicly.
During his time in AEW, he publicly requested his release, and it was clear to most fans watching that he wasn’t 100% satisifed with his position.
While he’s yet to be given clear direction since returning to WWE, Aleister Black could be the one to step into Punk’s shoes as the face of WWE’s counter-culture, the one to tell uncomfortable truths.
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4. Drew McIntyre
When it comes to speaking uncomfortable truths, few in WWE are more willing to do so publicly than Drew McIntyre.
His feud with CM Punk was one of the most personal and close to the bone in recent WWE history, with McIntyre being the first to openly call out Punk’s hypocrisy following his return.
Unafraid to cause ructions behind the scenes, McIntyre also reportedly walked out after Punk’s surprise comeback at Survivor Series 2023.
Now recovering from injury, a return could see the roles reversed – with McIntyre embraced as WWE’s authentic, principled voice.
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3. Jacob Fatu
Jacob Fatu has had a meteoric rise in 2025, emerging as a true top-tier star in WWE.
Like CM Punk before him, Fatu doesn’t fit the mould of the traditional clean-cut babyface – bringing a raw, authentic energy that originally made Punk stand out.
Fatu is distinct; WWE delayed signing him due to a past arrest for armed robbery at age 18 – something that only adds to his outsider aura.
Could Fatu now be the countercultural force in WWE that CM Punk once was?
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2. Ron Killings (R-Truth)
At the beginning of June, R-Truth – re-christened Ron Killings – became the talk of the wrestling world after WWE initially chose not to renew his contract – only to bring him back following intense fan backlash.
In the wake of his return on Saturday Night’s Main Event, WWE’s head of creative, Triple H, claimed at a press conference that it was “all part of the show.”
Killings fired back on X with a simple reply: “No Work.”
Publicly embraced by fans and unafraid to call out the company’s top brass for lying, Ron Killings could now be the new “voice of the voiceless”.
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1. Karrion Kross
Following this year’s WrestleMania, Karrion Kross delivered a much-discussed viral “shoot” promo.
He publicly voiced his frustration about his place in the company and the lack of opportunities he’s received.
His apparent willingness to speak truth to power struck a chord with fans, earning him huge reactions and seemingly forcing WWE’s hand in spotlighting him.
Is Karrion Kross the natural heir to CM Punk as the authentic voice of the WWE fanbase?
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