In the world of professional wrestling, the line between reality and storyline can often become blurred, and a recent rumor about CM Punk and Seth Rollins is a perfect example. Despite buzz that the two have become “close friends” backstage, a new report is pushing back on that narrative, grounding the situation firmly in their heated, on-screen animosity.
The report from Wrestling Headlines.com directly disputes the basis of the friendship rumor, noting it remains unsubstantiated even with claims that “multiple outlets reported it.” Instead, it points to the clear and escalating war between the two playing out on WWE programming.
Their rivalry has been anything but friendly. The feud hit a fever pitch at SummerSlam when Rollins used a faked leg injury and his Money in the Bank contract to take the World Heavyweight Championship from Punk, ending his first title run since returning to the company.
The animosity has since pulled in their spouses. Interference from Becky Lynch directly cost CM Punk a match at the Clash in Paris event, serving as the final catalyst for a major upcoming showdown.
WWE has now set the stage for a massive mixed tag team match pitting CM Punk and the returning AJ Lee against Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch. The bout is scheduled for WrestlePalooza on September 20, which will be the company’s first-ever premium live event broadcast on ESPN.
While it’s officially “unclear” if the real-life dynamic between Punk and Rollins has truly changed, their on-screen actions tell a violent story. The biggest question heading into Wrestlepalooza is whether this intense professional rivalry is simply great work, or if the real-life tension is the fuel making this one of the most compelling feuds in WWE.