The ongoing CM Punk Seth Rollins rivalry took another intense turn during the 2025 wrestling season, with off-screen tensions mirroring their high-stakes in-ring confrontations. This feud reached a dramatic peak when Rollins swiftly ended Punk’s World Heavyweight Championship reign at SummerSlam 2025 after Punk had just claimed the title from Gunther. Despite their escalating clash, CM Punk revealed that he purposely keeps his distance from Seth Rollins when they are not performing.
CM Punk Addresses His Off-Camera Relationship with Seth Rollins
Prior to Wrestlepalooza, CM Punk sat down for an interview in Indianapolis with Peter Rosenburg and Big E, where he elaborated on whether Seth Rollins has become a significant rival beyond the scripted rivalry. Punk acknowledged that wrestling requires a thick skin because trash talk is unavoidable, but he clarified that the personal aspect of their interactions does not concern him. Punk stated that he deliberately avoids getting caught up in negativity away from the spotlight, even though he finds himself surrounded by people he considers toxic.
“Everybody talks trash about everybody else. You got to have thick skin. And my thing is I don’t want to be like involved. I don’t want to be in the orbit of garbage people. And unfortunately, I’m in the orbit of garbage people. It happens. Um, I don’t know. I’ve had some pretty big rivals in my time. Um, This is just one that feels different to me. I don’t know how big or small it is. It feels like it is never going to end. I don’t care what he does when the camera’s off. I just. It’s a rivalry. I’ll put it that way.”
— CM Punk
He added that although he has faced many major rivals throughout his career, the tension with Rollins feels especially persistent and unresolved. CM Punk emphasized that his focus remains strictly on their professional rivalry, not personal conflicts that might occur beyond the camera’s view.
Recent Developments in the CM Punk and Seth Rollins Feud
The rivalry saw a pivotal moment at SummerSlam 2025, where Seth Rollins pulled off what fans call the ‘Ruse of the Century’ by dethroning CM Punk mere minutes after Punk had won the World Heavyweight Championship from Gunther. This sudden loss intensified their storyline heading into Wrestlepalooza.
Adding to the stakes, CM Punk will team with his wife, former Divas Champion AJ Lee, to battle Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch in an upcoming Mixed Tag Team Match. This pairing further intertwines their personal and professional dynamics, heightening anticipation among fans and analysts alike.
Broader Wrestling Storylines Amidst the Rivalry
While the feud between Punk and Rollins captures much attention, other major WWE storylines are unfolding simultaneously. Brock Lesnar caused chaos on SmackDown, reaffirming his dominance. Meanwhile, Drew McIntyre has openly challenged John Cena for a fight, although Cena has yet to respond to McIntyre’s provocations.
AEW is also making waves, with Tony Khan recently announcing the opening match for All Out 2025, securing excitement across wrestling promotions. Stephanie McMahon, WWE’s former Women’s Champion, shared a poignant update about her family, while Cody Rhodes, the current Undisputed WWE Champion, acknowledged his eventual defeat at the hands of a top WWE star.
What This Rivalry Means for WWE’s Future
The CM Punk Seth Rollins rivalry remains a defining storyline for WWE in 2025, combining intense competition and real-life tension that blurs the line between performance and personal conflict. Punk’s openly stated disinterest in Rollins’s off-camera behavior highlights the challenging interpersonal dynamics behind the scenes. Their rivalry fuels viewer engagement and increases stakes in upcoming events like Wrestlepalooza.
Looking ahead, the mixed tag team match featuring Punk and AJ Lee against Rollins and Becky Lynch is expected to be a key moment that could either escalate or cool this feud. With multiple WWE stars making headlines and cross-promotional developments emerging, the wrestling world remains deeply invested in how these narratives evolve.
