Seth Rollins is set to face CM Punk in a triple threat match at WrestleMania 41, but their rivalry extends beyond the wrestling ring.
Rollins` dislike for Punk is so strong that he is willing to train in MMA just for the opportunity to settle their differences in a real fight. Before their match at WrestleMania, which also includes Roman Reigns, Rollins suggested a UFC fight with Punk, referencing Punk`s previous MMA experience.
Punk`s UFC record is 0-1 with one no contest. Although he lost both of his fights, his second loss against Mike Jackson was changed to a no contest after Jackson tested positive for marijuana.
“Yes, I would fight him,” Rollins said about Punk on Robert Griffin III’s podcast. “I`m not going to attack him backstage, but if Dana White wants to book CM Punk versus Seth Rollins, as a fight between non-UFC fighters on a UFC card, I would accept. I`d put on the gloves and try.”
Rollins added, “It might be the only MMA fight I ever do because I`m not interested in fighting other guys in my weight class. But Dana, if you want to make money, book this fight.”
While Punk trained in Brazilian jiu-jitsu for years before joining the UFC, Rollins has no formal martial arts training, having started wrestling as a teenager.
This lack of experience doesn`t deter Rollins, who has openly expressed his negative feelings towards Punk since Punk`s return to WWE in 2023.
“I call him a cancer because he`s like a parasite,” Rollins stated when talking about Punk. “He only takes and doesn`t give. He`s selfish. He tries to replicate himself by making younger wrestlers think he`s helping them, but he`s just trying to create followers who believe his nonsense.”
Rollins continued, “Ultimately, it`s not for the good of wrestling, as he claims. It`s for his own benefit. He`s admitted he`s not here to make friends, but to make money.”
It`s unlikely that the UFC CEO will book the fight, given Punk`s previous UFC performances. However, Rollins believes it would generate significant hype and revenue, especially since UFC and WWE are now under the same ownership.
“Give me a few months to train,” Rollins said. “Give me a training camp, and I think I could handle it. TKO, we`re all part of the same company now, so it could happen.”
