Add as a preferred source on Google Seth Rollins has once again made it clear that his relationship with CM Punk remains badly strained behind the scenes in WWE.
During a recent appearance on Prince St. Pizza’s Pizza Talks, “The Visionary” was asked directly about Punk and did not try to soften the subject. Rollins said he does not like the “Best in the World” and that there is a long history between them.
“I don’t like him. A lot of people love him. He and I don’t get along. We don’t see things the same way. There’s a long history there. I’m not a spiteful person, truly. I don’t consider myself that. He’s the exception to the rule.”
Rollins was also asked whether he considers Punk to be fake, and he answered directly.
“I would say yes.”
Rollins then said many fans believe everything Punk says, but his own view is different because he has known him for many years.
“He’s an interesting figure, because, if you like him, a lot of fans see Punk out there and believe every word he says. But if you know the guy like I know him, you can see through it. I see through all of it.”
Seth Rollins opened up about his feelings toward CM Punk, saying Punk is a perfect example of why people say “never meet your heroes.”
— Wrestle_The_One (@Wrestlish_WAR) June 5, 2026
While there’s still bad blood between them, Rollins admitted that fixing their relationship would be very difficult…
(via Prince St. Pizza) pic.twitter.com/WSZ6RU1Zfp
Despite the criticism, Rollins acknowledged Punk’s importance to pro wrestling, noting that he has been a relevant figure for more than two decades and was once someone Rollins admired before he got into the business.
“I give him credit in that sense. He’s been a relevant figure in our industry for more than 20 years. He was someone I looked up to when I was trying to get into this business. You know how they say never meet your heroes? He’s the perfect example of that.”
The relationship between Rollins and Punk has been a constant part of WWE programming since the “Second City Saint” returned at Survivor Series 2023. The biggest moment came at SummerSlam 2025, when Punk defeated Gunther to win the World Heavyweight Championship, only to lose the title minutes later to Rollins, who cashed in his Money in the Bank contract.
Months later, the two crossed paths again indirectly at Wrestlepalooza, where Punk and AJ Lee defeated Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch in a Mixed Tag Team Match.
Rollins had also previously said during an interview on Club Shay Shay that the two have a professional relationship, but not a friendship. At the time, he said a reconciliation may only be possible once both of them are retired.
For now, though, Rollins himself made it clear that there is still plenty of resentment involved, and that any attempt to repair his relationship with Punk would be extremely difficult at this point.