CM Punk Breaks Kayfabe to Praise Seth Rollins as One of the Best of the Era

World Champion credits longtime rival’s rise from the independent scene

Summary

– Calls Rollins one of the greatest superstars of the last decade

CM Punk stepped outside the lines of rivalry and storyline to offer rare public praise for Seth Rollins. While appearing on ESPN’s Unsportsmanlike alongside AJ Lee, the reigning WWE World Champion spoke candidly about the evolution of independent wrestlers in WWE and acknowledged Rollins as a defining figure of the modern era.

Punk admitted he feels conflicted when discussing his own impact on the industry, noting that being the first to break through certain barriers often comes with criticism. He described himself as someone who did not fit the traditional mold of a WWE superstar, referencing both his appearance and background as obstacles he had to overcome.

He emphasized that many performers who followed shared similar challenges. According to Punk, he never intended to pull the ladder up behind him; instead, he wanted to help open doors for others who did not fit conventional expectations.

That is when he pointed directly to Rollins. Punk said Rollins followed a similar path and initially lacked the size typically associated with top champions. Despite that, Rollins carved out a decorated career and became a multi-time world champion.

Punk then delivered a statement that caught many fans off guard. He admitted that it “pains” him to say it, but declared Rollins one of the greatest superstars of the last decade. Given their heated history, the acknowledgment stood out as a moment where respect replaced rivalry.

Rollins built his name on the independent circuit before signing with WWE in 2010 and has since become one of the most accomplished performers of his generation. Punk’s comments reinforce just how significant that journey has been.

WE HAD @CMPunk AND @TheAJMendez JOIN THE SHOW 🔥 pic.twitter.com/Zlp3yUOJrI

— UNSPORTSMANLIKE (@UnSportsESPN) February 24, 2026