The intense backstage rivalry between CM Punk and Seth Rollins dates back many years, beginning before either wrestler became a household name in WWE. When Rollins was just 16 years old, he approached Punk with an offer to mentor him and introduce him to the wrestling world, asking for no payment. Punk declined the offer, a reaction that Rollins perceived as dismissive, which planted the seeds of a lasting tension between the two.
Despite this rough start, both men climbed the ranks early in their careers, eventually joining WWE and even partnering as a tag team on NXT. However, Punk’s departure from WWE in 2014 deepened the divide, as they exchanged occasional verbal barbs over the years. The rivalry took a colder turn in 2023 when Rollins publicly labeled Punk a “cancer” to the wrestling business. Punk’s return to WWE later that year reignited their feud, which WWE has integrated into its storylines, culminating in a build-up toward WrestleMania 41.
CM Punk Sees Seth Rollins Reflecting His Former Persona
The latest WWE documentary series, Unreal, highlights the deep animosity between Punk and Rollins. In recounting their history, Punk reiterated that he once rejected Rollins’ early career mentorship attempt. He acknowledged Rollins’ growth within WWE during his own absence but issued a pointed observation that might unsettle Rollins:
Seth right now looks and sounds like CM Punk from 2013.
In 2013, CM Punk experienced arguably the peak of his wrestling career, competing against legends such as The Rock, The Undertaker, Brock Lesnar, and the SHIELD faction. Punk’s exit a year later, prompted by creative disagreements with WWE management, marked a turning point in both men’s paths.
Looking ahead, Punk is set to return to the ring at the SummerSlam premium live event, where he will challenge Gunther for the World Heavyweight Championship, intensifying the spotlight on his renewed presence in WWE.
Additional Developments in WWE and Wrestling Industry
Aside from the Punk and Rollins feud, other WWE storylines and notable moments continue to unfold. Wrestling icon Stone Cold Steve Austin was reportedly slated for a larger role at WrestleMania 41 than what ultimately transpired, adding a layer of intrigue to the event’s production decisions.
Meanwhile, an ex-WWE star shared a troubling encounter with actor Adam Sandler during an attempted TV segment, which did not air. On Raw, WWE paid tribute to the late Hulk Hogan, with his son and longtime associate Eric Bischoff present for the occasion, marking a poignant moment in WWE history following Hogan’s passing on July 24, 2025.
John Cena recently forged an alliance with The Rock at the Elimination Chamber 2025 after Cody Rhodes declined an offer described as “selling his soul,” indicating ongoing shifts in WWE’s top-tier dynamics. Concerns have also been raised about AEW’s future television deal amid a rapidly evolving broadcast landscape.
In addition, an unexpected WWE star expressed a desire to replace Drew McIntyre at the SummerSlam event, hinting at potential changes in main event lineups. The documentary WWE: Unreal also revealed that Triple H had previously blocked CM Punk’s earlier attempt to return to WWE for significant reasons involving creative control and backstage politics. Lastly, WWE Hall of Famer Brutus Beefcake expressed regret over not visiting Hulk Hogan before his death, reflecting on missed opportunities within the wrestling community.
What the Punk-Rollins Rivalry Means for WWE’s Future
The feud between CM Punk and Seth Rollins is more than just a personal clash; it represents a narrative WWE is leveraging to engage fans with a storyline rooted in real-life conflict. Punk’s remark that Rollins now mirrors his own style signals a passing of the torch dynamic, while also fueling the tension that WWE will likely continue to explore in upcoming shows and pay-per-views.
This rivalry adds depth to WrestleMania 41’s card and the SummerSlam event, where Punk’s challenge for the World Heavyweight Championship against Gunther is highly anticipated. Both men’s careers are entering a new phase, with their personal history and in-ring performances contributing to the evolving landscape of professional wrestling in WWE and beyond.
