Seth Rollins isn’t pretending everything is fine with CM Punk. Despite sharing the ring multiple times since Punk returned to WWE in 2023, Rollins made it clear that their personal issues are far from resolved.
Speaking with Shannon Sharpe on Club Shay Shay, the former World Heavyweight Champion was asked directly whether things were good between him and Punk now. Rollins didn’t hesitate.
“No. I wouldn’t say so. There is obviously some sort of working relationship, otherwise we wouldn’t be able to go out there and have matches, but it is so complex.”
The tension between the two dates back to 2014 when Punk walked out of WWE and publicly criticized the company. At the time, Rollins was emerging as one of WWE’s top stars and didn’t take kindly to Punk’s comments or the way things were handled. Their real-life friction has since spilled into storylines following Punk’s return. While they’ve been able to keep things professional enough to compete, Rollins admitted that the emotional side of the situation hasn’t healed.
“Maybe, once we’re both away from the business or retired, there might be an opportunity for a reconciliation there. It’s just so hard for me to separate the CM Punk that there is now from the CM Punk that was a really rotten friend to me ten years ago.”
That line says it all. Rollins acknowledged that time could eventually create space for a different kind of relationship — but not anytime soon.
“Those wounds take time to heal. Whether or not he cares to make the effort to do that, and I care to care if he makes the effort to do that, I don’t know. Neither of us have the time for it at the moment.”
Currently, Rollins is sidelined with a shoulder injury that forced him to relinquish the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. In a twist that adds another layer to the rivalry, Punk went on to win the vacant title while Rollins was out.
Their on-screen battles have been intense, but it’s clear the real-life dynamic behind the scenes remains complicated. For now, they can coexist professionally — but a true reconciliation appears to be years away, if it happens at all.
Do you think Seth Rollins and CM Punk will ever truly bury the hatchet? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.