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A couple days ago, Netflix called up their partners at WWE about an open spot on Night of Too Many Stars, a semi-regular comedy show that raises money for austism-related causes. The first was in 2003, and was organized by comedian Robert Smigel — who is most famous as the director of SNL’s “TV Funhouse” shorts, and as the hand and voice behind Triumph the Insult Comedy Dog — and his wife after their son was diagnosed with autism. Since then, versions of Night of Too Many Stars have aired on Comedy Central and HBO.
But the 2026 Night of Too Many Stars was part of the annual Netflix is a Joke comedy festival in Los Angeles… thus my supposition that CM Punk’s addition on Wednesday was a nod to Netflix/WWE synergy. Punk’s name is known by many in the entertainment world regardless of where he works, so this may have come together anyway. I kinda doubt it, though. But I digress…
It’s not clear if this year’s Night of Too Many Stars, which took place last night (May 7) and was once again hosted by Jon Stewart, will eventually stream on Netflix. Many shows during Netflix is a Joke are just for those in attendance, and some ban cell phones. But not this one, because versions of Punk’s appearance have popped up online today.
The bit is that Punk is going to “wrestle” Steve Carell of The Office fame. SummerSlam veteran Stewart is on-hand to keep the peace and call the action (along with someone who I’m guessing made a big donation to Next for Austism).
First they cut promos on one another, with Punk vowing to win for the aspiring college students in Scranton who Carell’s character lied to in the “Scott’s Tots” episode of his all-time great sitcom. The actor’s response was generally awkward. Then they played each other in WWE 2K26, which is worth watching just to see the custom version of Carell that someone made for this.
The Oscar nominee then decides to hightail it to the back — in the game, and IRL. Punk gives chase, catching a straw-filled Carell dummy for some ground and pound and an airplane spin before throwing it over the barricade the real-Carell was hiding behind while making “I’m getting my ass kicked” noises.
The source video is here, but the sound seemed off on that version for me.
Pretty fun, and raised some money for “national programs that enhance the lives of autistic adults in the areas of home, work, social, health, and well-being” via Next For Autism!
Did CM Punk and Steve Carell’s Night of Too Many Stars sketch make you want to see the two in a buddy comedy… or a wrestling angle?
