WWE World Champion CM Punk has broken from storyline to offer rare public praise for one of his fiercest rivals.
Appearing on ESPN’s Unsportsmanlike alongside his wife, AJ Lee, CM Punk reflected on the evolution of independent wrestlers breaking into WWE and the resistance they once faced. In doing so, he positioned himself as one of the first to push through that barrier.
“The first guy through the wall gets bloodied,” Punk said. “I was the first guy through the wall. Independent wrestling was looked down upon. It was the land of the giants… I wasn’t supposed to make it as far as I did, but I would not be denied.”
Punk spoke candidly about not fitting the traditional mould of a WWE Superstar, pointing to his look and background as factors that once worked against him. He stressed that he has always tried to help elevate the next generation rather than close the door behind him.
“I’m not pulling the ladder up,” Punk added. “I’m trying to help other people get here.”
Which Top WWE Star Did CM Punk Praise?
CM Punk then named Seth Rollins as a prime example of someone who followed a similar path.
“I think Seth Rollins is a great example of that,” Punk said. “He didn’t have the size. You wouldn’t look at him and be like, ‘Oh yeah, he’s a world champion.’ And now he’s multiple time heavyweight champion. It pains me to say it, but he’s one of the greatest superstars over the last 10, 12 years.”
Before signing with WWE in 2010, Rollins built his reputation on the independent scene and in Ring of Honor, where he captured the ROH World Championship. He has since become a multi-time world champion in WWE.
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