The question of whether pickleball, the rapidly growing paddle sport, should be included in the Olympics has sparked lively debates across sports communities, including among WWE stars like CM Punk and others.
Known for its fast pace and accessibility, pickleball’s popularity has surged in recent years, but opinions remain divided on its Olympic potential.
### **CM Punk’s Opinion**
Former WWE and AEW star CM Punk shared his thoughts during an interview, emphasizing the sport’s accessibility as a strength.
> “Pickleball has everything you want in an Olympic sport: it’s easy to learn, it’s competitive, and it’s growing like wildfire. If skateboarding and climbing made it, why not pickleball? I think it could bring a fresh, fun energy to the Games.”
Punk also highlighted that pickleball’s grassroots appeal could make it a global phenomenon, a key criterion for Olympic inclusion.
### **Other WWE Stars’ Take**
– **The Miz**:
Known for his playful commentary, The Miz joked that he’d dominate if pickleball became an Olympic event but also noted its potential appeal.
> “I’ve played a few times, and it’s intense. If they let wrestling or other fringe sports in, I don’t see why pickleball can’t have a shot. It’s got everything—speed, strategy, and drama.”
– **Charlotte Flair**:
Flair took a more cautious stance, emphasizing the need for the sport to gain broader international representation.
> “The Olympics are about global competition. Pickleball is growing, but is it big enough worldwide yet? It needs time to expand, especially in countries outside North America.”
– **Seth Rollins**:
Rollins praised pickleball’s inclusivity and its potential to attract younger audiences.
> “It’s easy to play but hard to master, and that’s a great mix for the Olympics. Plus, it could bring a new audience to the Games—especially younger fans who are already into it.”
### **The Case for Pickleball in the Olympics**
– **Popularity**: Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in North America, with millions of players worldwide.
– **Inclusivity**: Its accessibility to players of all ages and skill levels makes it a sport that resonates with the Olympic spirit.
– **Simplicity**: The rules are straightforward, making it easy for new audiences to follow and enjoy.
### **Challenges for Inclusion**
1. **Global Reach**: While growing rapidly, pickleball’s presence is still concentrated in North America and a few other regions.
2. **Competition for Spots**: The International Olympic Committee (IOC) must balance adding new sports with maintaining traditional ones, and many disciplines are vying for inclusion.
3. **Standardization**: Ensuring consistent rules and international competition levels remains a hurdle.
### **Final Thoughts**
The inclusion of pickleball in the Olympics would depend on its ability to demonstrate global appeal and competitive depth.
While stars like CM Punk and others support its inclusion, the sport still has ground to cover before it becomes a realistic contender for Olympic status. Nonetheless, its rapid rise suggests it could soon be part of the conversation for future Games.
