CHICAGO — It wasn’t exactly a belly-to-back suplex from the top rope, but CM Punk — the former WWE world champion turned mixed martial arts fighter — slammed Gov. Bruce Rauner on Twitter Thursday.
The wrestling superstar from Wicker Park, whose real name is Phil Jack Brooks, called out the Republican governor embroiled in a state budget stalemate that has inspired the Chicago Teachers Union to call a one-day strike demanding funding for city public schools on April 1.
“Hey @BruceRauner. Give the teachers money,” the wrestling superstar tweeted.
Hey @BruceRauner. Give the teachers money.
— Coach (@CMPunk) March 24, 2016
It stirred a lively Twitter debate.
Some of CM Punk’s 2.5 million followers piled on.
They called Rauner names.
@CMPunk @BruceRauner is a wank pheasant.
— David Ritter (@DavidMRitter) March 24, 2016
Others blamed Rauner for other problems that stem from the lack of a state budget.
@CMPunk @BruceRauner he's screwing up patient care for nurses too! I can't help all my patients because of him.
— Jaison (@JayMunz) March 24, 2016
One person pointed out the difference between Rauner and a few other Illinois governors.
@CMPunk @BruceRauner it's kind of weird that he's the governor of Illinois, but he's NOT under indictment
— Mick (@McJustTweeted) March 24, 2016
Rauner didn't fight back on Twitter.
But like any good pro wrestling match, this Twitter feed wasn't a one-sided fight.
A few Rauner supporters jumped in the Twitter ring to defended the governor against attacks inspired by CM Punk's tweet.
@CMPunk @BruceRauner Rauner came in having tough choices and cuts to make. He never said it would be easy or popular.
— Chris Willette (@cj3041) March 24, 2016
Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, Rauner’s biggest foe, also became a target.
@CMPunk @BruceRauner hey Madigan get your butt back in Illinois
— Hawkeylass (@hawkeylassie) March 24, 2016
Once the back-and-forth debate started to get heated one person begged for a Twitter battle royale, so to speak.
@CMPunk @BruceRauner please stop talking and start fighting. Please please please please
— Federico Jordan (@federico_fj) March 24, 2016
Like professional wrestling, the Twitter fight wasn't high-minded, but it was entertaining.
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