Seth Rollins is gearing up to go head-to-head with CM Punk in a triple threat match at WrestleMania 41 this Saturday, but their intense rivalry extends beyond the confines of the wrestling ring.
Rollins’ animosity towards Punk is so genuine that he is willing to venture into the world of MMA just to settle their beef in a real fight. Before the big event where they will be joined by Roman Reigns in the match, Rollins floated the idea of facing Punk in the UFC, especially after Punk’s brief stint in the MMA world a few years back.
Punk’s UFC record stands at 0-1 with one no contest, although technically he lost both fights. His second fight against Mike Jackson was overturned due to Jackson testing positive for marijuana.
In an interview on Robert Griffin III’s podcast, Rollins expressed his willingness to fight Punk in the UFC, stating, “I’d put on the gloves and give it a go.” He even challenged UFC President Dana White to make it happen for a lucrative showdown.
While Punk had been training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu alongside his wrestling career before transitioning to the UFC, Rollins has no formal martial arts background, having started wrestling as a teenager.
Regardless of his lack of MMA experience, Rollins remains steadfast in his disdain for Punk, labeling him as a “parasite” in the industry who only looks out for himself.
Rollins criticized Punk for manipulating and influencing younger talents to align with his views, ultimately serving his own agenda rather than the betterment of the industry.
He accused Punk of being solely driven by financial gain rather than genuine passion for the sport.
Despite the skepticism surrounding Punk’s MMA prowess, Rollins believes a potential bout between them would generate significant interest and revenue.
Considering the UFC and WWE are under the same ownership, Rollins remains optimistic about the possibility of this crossover fight.
With some time to prepare, Rollins is confident in his ability to hold his own in the octagon, hinting at a potential showdown that could make history.