Seth Rollins and CM Punk have emerged as one of WWE’s most compelling rivalries since Punk’s return in 2023, though the roots of their tension can be traced back to 2014 following Punk’s controversial exit from the company. Despite exchanging pointed remarks in various interviews over the years, the two have largely maintained a level of on-screen respect.
During a recent appearance on UnSportsmanLike, Rollins was asked to speak positively about Punk. While he acknowledged the influence the ‘Second City Saint’ had on him early in his career, Rollins ultimately struggled to hold back his true feelings.
Seth Rollins Gets Candid About CM Punk’s Influence
Seth Rollins credited CM Punk for helping pave the way for him and many other independent wrestlers to reach WWE. Reflecting on Punk’s influence, Rollins said, “First of all, he was a pioneer. So, there’s a nice thing I said about him. What he did for guys like me who came from the same kind of independent background as he did.”
He also acknowledged the role Punk and Colt Cabana played in shaping his journey, adding, “him and his ex-friend, I suppose, Colt Cabana, were two guys who really — they helped pave the way for young guys like me to be able to find a path to WWE when it didn’t seem possible before”.
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Despite the praise, Rollins didn’t shy away from revisiting their differences. ‘The Visionary’ pointed to Punk’s controversial 2014 departure from WWE, contrasting it with his own rise into a consistent main-event role over the past decade.
He also referenced Punk’s past comments about him in interviews, suggesting their strained relationship remains unchanged since that period.
Seth Rollins Calls CM Punk “Bitter” And “Self-Centered“
Seth Rollins went on to explain that he and CM Punk have always been fundamentally different, pointing to Punk’s attitude during his final run with WWE in 2014 as a major issue.
“The problem with him was the person he became was this — I mean, he’s always been a curmudgeon, and he’d probably admit that himself — but he was not helpful when it came to moving the business forward,” said Rollins.
He further criticized Punk as being self-centered and bitter, suggesting that his actions often put personal interests ahead of the business.
Seth continued, “He was so bitter, and he was so self-centered, that it was about him and it was about how do I make this right, and he did that at the expense of the industry, and at the expense of the people who were trying to make the business big, and trying to do the right thing”.
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Despite their heated rivalry in recent years, anticipation remains high among fans to see the two clash again, fueled by their real-life animosity and contrasting philosophies within the industry.
