CM Punk‘s trainer has responded to online allegations that the Undisputed WWE Champion has been using steroids following his recent physical transformation.
CM Punk returned to WWE following a two-and-a-half-month absence after WrestleMania 42 noticeably leaner and more muscular. Images and footage of the 47-year-old training ahead of his comeback subsequently led to speculation on social media that he had been using performance-enhancing substances.
Jay Ferruggia, Punk’s trainer, has now addressed those claims directly. Posting on Instagram on Thursday, Ferruggia attributed Punk’s transformation to his commitment to training, nutrition and recovery.
“CM Punk is working his ass off. From day one, when he reached out to me, he has done every single thing that I’ve asked him to do.”
Ferruggia detailed the level of communication between the pair, claiming Punk continues to follow his programme even while away from home.
“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.”
The trainer went on to describe Punk as one of the most dedicated people he has worked with during his three decades in the fitness industry.
“In 30 years in this business, CM Punk is working as hard as anyone I’ve ever worked with. He’s as dedicated as anyone.”
CM Punk’s Trainer Says AI-Generated Images Are To Blame For Steroid Allegations
Jay Ferruggia also directly addressed the steroid allegations, claiming some of the images being shared online are AI-generated. He said other photographs were taken under favourable gym conditions, while CM Punk had a significant pump.
“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.”
Ferruggia added that Punk has become significantly leaner, which he believes has contributed to the perception that he has gained considerably more size. He also pointed towards a change in Punk’s training methods.
“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 ultimately rejected the suggestion that Punk’s progress is the result of taking shortcuts.
“So just because someone’s getting somewhere and accomplishing something that you can’t doesn’t mean they are taking shortcuts and cheating.”
