Seth Rollins and CM Punk—two names that have become synonymous with heated rivalries and fierce opinions in the world of professional wrestling. Fans of WWE know that Rollins and Punk’s past is filled with tension, resentment, and public remarks that have fueled speculation about their relationship.
But what exactly is the reason behind Seth Rollins’ apparent disdain for CM Punk? Let’s explore the history of their rivalry and examine the factors that led to Seth Rollins expressing hate towards the former WWE Champion.
The Origins of Seth Rollins And CM Punk Rivalry
Seth Rollins and CM Punk’s paths first crossed during Punk’s time as the face of WWE. Punk’s rise to prominence in the company was nothing short of historic, with his “Pipe Bomb” promo in 2011 shaking the very foundation of the WWE Universe. However, behind the scenes, tensions were brewing, and Rollins was one of the many WWE Superstars who felt the repercussions of Punk’s actions and words.
Rollins’ disdain wasn’t just rooted in professional rivalry. Punk’s controversial WWE exit in 2014, in which he walked away amid creative frustrations and later aired grievances on Colt Cabana’s podcast, left scars throughout the locker room. For loyal WWE superstars like Rollins, who were building their careers brick by brick, Punk’s departure felt like abandonment.
“Punk was someone who left in the middle of his prime, and that left a sour taste in the mouths of many,” Rollins said in an interview.
For many, it was Punk’s decision to walk away from WWE during a time when he was one of the company’s top draws that created a sense of bitterness.
Seth Rollins, who had always strived for a similar level of success, couldn’t help but view Punk’s exit as a betrayal of the company that had helped make him a star.
The animosity reached a boiling point in 2023 when Rollins publicly labeled Punk a
“cancer to the locker room”
during a promo on WWE RAW. This wasn’t just a passing jab—it was a targeted strike, made during a time when CM Punk was still under contract with AEW, and rumors about a potential WWE return were swirling across the wrestling world.
The Punk Controversy & Rollins’ Response
Fast forward to 2021, when CM Punk made his shocking return to professional wrestling with AEW. The wrestling world was buzzing, and many expected a potential WWE return for Punk, leading to speculation about a possible showdown with Rollins.
But it wasn’t the in-ring match fans were most curious about—it was their backstage rivalry that seemed to be escalating. Seth Rollins wasted no time in voicing his thoughts on Punk’s AEW debut.
During a 2021 interview with Bleacher Report, Rollins made it clear that he wasn’t particularly thrilled by Punk’s return to the business.
“CM Punk coming back to wrestling doesn’t do anything for me. I’ve got more important things to focus on,” Rollins remarked.
The sentiment was clear—Rollins didn’t see Punk as a top priority, and it wasn’t lost on fans that Rollins’ comments were a subtle jab at Punk’s decision to return to a company that wasn’t WWE.
This exchange sparked renewed discussions about their rivalry, and many speculated that Rollins’ feelings towards Punk stemmed from his frustrations over what he perceived as Punk’s self-importance. Rollins, who had spent years establishing himself as one of WWE’s top talents, seemed to feel that Punk’s return was more about the attention than the future of wrestling.
“He’s not relevant anymore. He’s just a guy living off past glory,” Rollins added in a scathing interview.
These words were a direct shot at Punk, and it was evident that Rollins had little respect for Punk’s legacy, viewing it through the lens of a man who had walked away at the height of his career.
Was There Ever a Chance for Reconciliation?
Despite the deep-seated animosity, some fans have wondered whether there’s any hope for a reconciliation between Seth Rollins and CM Punk. While the wrestling world is known for its rivalries, it’s not uncommon for Superstars to eventually bury the hatchet. However, in the case of Rollins and Punk, it seems unlikely that any mending will happen soon.
Both men are fiercely independent in their approach to professional wrestling, and their personalities, which are often polar opposites, only serve to deepen the divide.
Rollins’ commitment to WWE, and his vocal disdain for anyone who criticizes the company, stands in stark contrast to Punk’s more rebellious and defiant nature. As long as both remain entrenched in their respective paths, it’s difficult to imagine a scenario where they can work together in the same space.
“Punk and I are from different worlds. We have different philosophies, and that’s just the way it is.”
Rollins once said, hinting that any future collaboration would be out of the question.
