Streaming

CM Punk Livens up Stiff Netflix NFL Broadcast With Controversial Take, and We Loved It

CM Punk reiterated his hot take about his hometown NFL team.

Laura Rutledge (L) and CM Punk (R) during Netflix's Christmas 2024 NFL broadcast (Credit: Netflix)

Netflix is airing NFL games for the first time on Wednesday, and production-wise, it’s been a safe and sterile offering. The pre-game show was polished and well-executed, but it did lack a certain energy. However, WWE Superstar CM Punk dropped by the pre-show desk to drop a hot take on the Chicago Bears that lit up X and other social media platforms.

Punk (real name Phil Brooks) is a Chicago native and is a big supporter of local sports, namely the NHL’s Chicago Blackhawks and the MLB’s Chicago Cubs. However, he has previously admitted to not fully getting excited about the Chicago Bears for one reason: the ownership. Punk broadcast his straightforward take on the McCaskey family, who have owned and managed the team for decades, to the millions around the globe watching the Kansas City Chiefs vs. Pittsburgh Steelers broadcast.

Videos by PopCulture.com

“Nothing’s gonna change until the McCaskeys sell the team,” Punk said, taking the cheery Netflix broadcast crew (Laura Rutledge, Devin McCourty and Jason McCourty) by surprise. He didn’t walk back on the take, adding, “We’re live on Netflix; I don’t care!”

CM Punk enters the Hell in the Cell ring to face off with Drew Mclntyre during Monday night RAW at Ford Center on September 30, 2024 in Evansville, Indiana. (Photo by WWE/Getty Images)

Punk, who is set to face Seth Rollins on Netflix’s Jan. 6 WWE Raw broadcast, livened up the pre-game show with his blunt take. Many supporters of the 4-11 team were jolted by the take and sounded off in agreement.

  • “McCaskeys have been on a free ride for too long. Let’s get them out of here” (source)
  • “Atta boy Phil. Represent the fans.” (source)
  • “Of course the McCaskeys won’t sell. But if this rant helps reinforce the need for Kevin Warren to have full, unimpeded control over football operations, it would be a meaningful step in the right direction.” (source)
  • “I’m Not a fan of CM Punk by any stretch of the imagination, But This is 110,000% the Truth. The Org. Has changes under every job under the Org. Except 1, Ownership! Until the McCaskey’s are gone, the HEX will Remain On!” (source)
  • “CM Punk shitting on the Bears ownership on Netflix during Christmas morning is all I could’ve ever asked for.” (source)
  • “He’s not a football guy, let alone a Bears’s guy…but he ain’t wrong” (source)

CM Punk can be seen on WWE Raw each Monday night. Raw leaves USA Network for Netflix starting on the Jan. 6 episode. Punk will face off against noted Chicago Bears supporter Seth Rollins on the show.

How to Watch Netflix’s Christmas NFL Games

Promotional graphic for Netflix’s 2024 NFL games (Credit: Netflix)

Watching both of Netflix’s Christmas NFL games is incredibly easy. If you have a Netflix account, simply log in using your device of choice. There should be large banners advertising the NFL streams, but if not, just search “NFL” in the Netflix search bar. If you need a Netflix account, simply head to netflix.com and sign up.

Kansas City Chiefs vs. Pittsburgh Steelers is on now, and Baltimore Ravens vs. Houston Texans airs at 4:30 p.m. ET (with a pre-game broadcast starting at 4 p.m.). Beyoncé’s halftime performance will air during the later game; an exact time is unavailable.