"They Didn’t Know Him 20 Years Ago" - Seth Rollins Slams WWE Locker Room for Embracing CM Punk

Seth Rollins shared candid thoughts about CM Punk’s reception in the WWE locker room during a pre-match interview with Jackie Redmond. The conversation revealed insights into the varying relationships different performers have with the returning star.

I understand from a business perspective why you would want him around and a lot of these guys and girls in the locker room, they just don’t have the relationship with him that I had. They didn’t feel that way about him 10 years ago. They didn’t know him 20 years ago.

Rollins’ history with Punk dates back to his early career attempts to train under him, followed by The Shield’s debut as Punk’s mercenaries in 2012. Their relationship became strained after Punk’s 2014 departure, with Rollins taking particular issue with Punk’s public criticism of WWE during his absence.

I stuck it out when it was garbage, when I was getting dumped on over and over by everyone inside the company and outside the company, I stayed here and so I took all those attacks from everybody outside of here [WWE] and from him very personally.

Rollins Shows Respect for Drew McIntyre Despite Rivalry

While tensions remain high with Punk, Rollins recently displayed a different side when discussing another rival. During an appearance on INSIGHT with Chris Van Vliet, he offered praise for Drew McIntyre’s recent accomplishments.

Say what you will about him being a super troll online, when you get him out there in the ring, whether it’s with a microphone or in a match, he’s one of the best there is.

Rollins acknowledged McIntyre’s impressive 2024 run following their WrestleMania 40 encounter, demonstrating his ability to recognize talent regardless of personal differences.